Species climate range influences hydraulic and stomatal traits in Eucalyptus species.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Plant hydraulic traits influence the capacity of species to grow and survive in water-limited environments, but their comparative study at a common site has been limited. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether selective pressures on species originating in drought-prone environments constrain hydraulic traits among related species grown under common conditions.

Methods

Leaf tissue water relations, xylem anatomy, stomatal behaviour and vulnerability to drought-induced embolism were measured on six Eucalyptus species growing in a common garden to determine whether these traits were related to current species climate range and to understand linkages between the traits.

Key results

Hydraulically weighted xylem vessel diameter, leaf turgo

SUBMITTER: Bourne AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5737682 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature