Tree Size Influences Leaf Shape but Does Not Affect the Proportional Relationship Between Leaf Area and the Product of Length and Width.

ABSTRACT: The Montgomery equation predicts leaf area as the product of leaf length and width multiplied by a correction factor. It has been demonstrated to apply to a variety of leaf shapes. However, it is unknown whether tree size (measured as the diameter at breast height) affects leaf shape and size, or whether such variations in leaf shape can invalidate the Montgomery equation in calculating leaf area. Here, we examined 60 individual trees of the alpine oak (Quercus pannosa) in two growth patterns (trees growing from seeds vs. growing from roots), with 30 individuals for each site. Between 100 and 110 leaves from each tree were used to measure leaf dry mass, leaf area, length, and width, and to calculate the ellipticalness index, ratio of area between the two sides of the lamina, and the

SUBMITTER: Ma J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9221507 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature