Comparative anatomy of leaf petioles in temperate trees and shrubs: the role of plant size, environment and phylogeny.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

Petioles are important plant organs connecting stems with leaf blades and affecting light-harvesting ability of the leaf as well as transport of water, nutrients and biochemical signals. Despite the high diversity in petiole size, shape and anatomy, little information is available regarding their structural adaptations across evolutionary lineages and environmental conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we investigated the variation of petiole morphology and anatomy of mainly European woody species to better understand the drivers of internal and external constraints in an evolutionary context.

Methods

We studied how petiole anatomical features differed according to whole-plant size, leaf traits, thermal and hydrological conditions, and taxonomic origin

SUBMITTER: Filartiga AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9007101 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature