Leaf and Stem Traits are Linked to Liana Growth Rate in a Subtropical Cloud Forest

Xiao-Long Bai,Yun-Bing Zhang,Yang-Si-Ding Wang,Jiao-Lin Zhang,Qi Liu,Da Yang

doi:10.3390/f11101120

Abstract

There is accumulating evidence that the abundance and biomass of lianas are increasing with global climate change in the Neotropics. However, our knowledge of growth–trait relationships among lianas is surprisingly rare. Here, we monitored the relative growth rate of 2860 individuals from seven deciduous and four evergreen liana species in a 20 ha subtropical cloud forest dynamics plot at high elevation (2472–2628 m a.s.l.) in southwest China. We linked the relative growth rate of lianas with nine leaf traits associated with leaf morphology, nutrient concentrations, and water hydraulic capacity as indicated by leaf vein density, and five stem wood traits related to stem water transport capacity and wood density. Our results showed that deciduous lianas have higher relative growth rates than their evergreen counterparts. Across all lianas studied, the relative growth rate was positively correlated with the leaf area and specific leaf area, but negatively correlated with leaf dry matter content. The relative growth rate of lianas was strongly correlated with nitrogen concentration after excluding the legume liana species. The relative growth rate was decoupled from leaf phosphorus and potassium concentrations, leaf vein density, and stem vessel traits across all lianas investigated. For four evergreen lianas, there were positive associations of the relative growth rate with the leaf thickness and diameter of the largest vessels. This study is the first to illustrate the relationships of liana growth with leaf and stem traits in the high-elevation subtropical cloud forest. More studies from diverse forest ecosystems are needed to comprehensively understand the mechanism underlying liana growth patterns.

Highlights

IntroductionOver the last two decades, trait-based studies on plant performance (e.g., growth) have received particular attention
Plant traits are morphological, physiological, and reproductive properties that potentially determine plant fitness via direct or indirect effects on individual growth, reproduction, and survival [1].Over the last two decades, trait-based studies on plant performance have received particular attention
relative growth rate (RGR) was positively significantly correlated with leaf area (Figure 3a)

Summary

Introduction

Over the last two decades, trait-based studies on plant performance (e.g., growth) have received particular attention. The majority of previous studies about plant trait–growth patterns have focused on trees [2,3,4,6,7,8], with fewer reports concerning lianas [9,10]. It is, of importance to unveil how the growth rate of lianas is driven by their interspecific variation in plant traits.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion