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Leaves at low versus high rainfall: coordination of structure, lifespan and physiology
Article first published online: 20 AUG 2002
DOI: 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2002.00479.x
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How to Cite
Wright, I. J. and Westoby, M. (2002), Leaves at low versus high rainfall: coordination of structure, lifespan and physiology. New Phytologist, 155: 403–416. doi: 10.1046/j.1469-8137.2002.00479.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 AUG 2002
- Article first published online: 20 AUG 2002
- Received: 6 February 2002 Accepted: 20 May 2002
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Keywords:
- leaf mass per area;
- leaf lifespan (LL);
- nitrogen use;
- sclerophylly;
- toughness;
- water use
Summary
- • Across species, leaf lifespan (LL) tends to be correlated with leaf mass per area (LMA). Previously we found that Australian perennial species from low-rainfall sites had c . 40% shorter LL at a given LMA than high-rainfall species.
- • Here we relate indices of leaf strength (work to shear, W shear , and tissue toughness) to LL and LMA across the same suite of species. W shear is the work required to cut a leaf with a blade; W shear divided by leaf thickness gives tissue toughness.
- • Low- and high-rainfall species did not differ in their LL at a given W shear , but dry-site species had lower W shear at a given LMA, leading to the observed LL – LMA shift with rainfall. These patterns were driven by 50% lower tissue toughness in dry-site species.
- • The lower toughness was linked with high leaf N concentration, which is known to enhance water conservation during photosynthesis in low-rainfall species. Our results suggest that a significant cost of this strategy is reduced LL for a given investment in leaf tissue (LMA).