Do anatomical wood traits suggest adjustments in the hydraulic architecture of dominant species in Amazonian savannah?

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the functionality and structural adjustments of wood in a rocky-outcrop plant community in an Amazonian savannah by correlating anatomical traits of wood associated with mechanical support and water transport. From this, the following question was addressed: Can a pattern in the hydraulic architecture of the most abundant species in an Amazonian savannah be traced from the functional anatomy of their wood? Wood was collected through a non-destructive method from three individuals of each dominant species, which was processed according to standard plant anatomy techniques for light microscopy and diagnosis of physical quality. The results indicate that vessel length and vessel lumen area negatively affected wood specific gravity, while theoretical hydraulic conductivity (Kh) was positively affected by vessel length, fibre lumen and vessel lumen area. A relationship was found between structural and functional characteristics of the most abundant species; however, a pattern among individuals in this community was not observed. Therefore, we suggest that the anatomical structures of the different species have converged in strategies to increase the water supply by the different secondary xylem cells.