Growth and architecture of juvenile Carpodetus serratus in closed forest canopy and canopy gap environments

Abstract

The growth and architecture of juvenile Carpodetus serratus (Escalloniaceae) plants are described, and the habit of plants growing in different light environments compared. Growth was periodic along vertical axes, creating distinct layers of foliage separated by vertical stem sections with no lateral outgrowth. Plants had low foliage density, narrow canopy shape, and the plasticity to adapt to different light conditions. These features suggest that juvenile C. serratus capture light efficiently and follow the persistent multilayer/optimistic growth strategy described by others. In comparison with plants growing in a forest canopy gap, plants growing under a closed canopy had greater foliage density, greater distance between foliage layers, and a less even vertical distribution of leaves within the plant canopy. Closed canopy plants most likely captured diffuse light more efficiently than canopy gap plants.