Functional leaf traits in congeneric species of tree communities in central Amazon

• Published in: Flora. Morphologie, Geobotanik, Oekophysiologie Vol. 311; p. 152434
• Main Authors: Esteves, Lucas Vinicius Cavalcante, dos Santos Correa, Kleyton Kleber, dos Santos Rocha, Mayda Cecília, Rodrigues, Gleicy Assunção, Batista, Darlisson Mesquita, Alves-Araújo, Anderson, Giacomin, Leandro Lacerda, Siqueira-Silva, Advanio Inácio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier GmbH 01.02.2024
• Subjects: Acquisitive–conservative strategy; Amazonia; Amazonian savanna; Brazil; drought tolerance; ecosystems; flora; forests; geographical distribution; Leaf morpho- anatomy; leaf thickness; leaves; light microscopy; Neotropics; Ombrophilous forest; parenchyma (plant tissue); Plant–soil relationships; Pouteria; savannas; species; Tachigali; trees; Xeromorphism; Brazil; Amazonia; Plant–soil relationships; Ombrophilous forest; Acquisitive–conservative strategy; Leaf morpho- anatomy; Xeromorphism; Amazonian savanna
• DOI: 10.1016/j.flora.2023.152434
• ISSN: 0367-2530

•Variations in soil conditions can act as an environmental filter, driving morphophysiological adjustments in plants.•Forest species exhibited traits related to acquisitive strategies in resource utilization.•Savanna species present traits related to conservative strategies in resource utilization.•The functional traits of the leaves are determined by where the plants occur.•The different vegetation types modulate the distribution of trees. The Amazon is a Neotropical region that features various types of phytophysiognomies subject to multiple environmental filters. The Amazonian Savanna and Ombrophilous Forest areas support complex ecosystem functions and are sensitive to biotic and abiotic disturbances. The low availability of nutrients and water, along with the high solar exposure these vegetations experience, impose rigorous environmental filters that affect species distribution. Plant species with structural and functional adaptations can occur in specific locations due to environmental characteristics. We investigated potential variations in the functional leaf traits of congeneric species of Tachigali and Pouteria in different tree community vegetation types in savanna and forest areas in Central Amazon. For this purpose, using standard optical microscopy techniques and statistical models, we analyzed 9 congeneric species, with 3 individuals per species, of woody congeners from Ombrophilous Forest and Amazonian Savanna, both located in the state of Pará, Brazil. Fifteen anatomical traits, both quantitative and qualitative, possessing functional significance were evaluated by comparing tissues between forest and savanna plants, employing ANOVA and ordination analyses. The results indicate that variations in environmental conditions within different vegetation types might be linked to morphophysiological adjustments and strategies in leaves to resist environmental conditions. Species from the Amazonian Savanna present traits more related to conservative characteristics related to water retention and drought resistance, demonstrating a degree of leaf xeromorphism with greater thickness of leaves, palisade parenchyma and epidermal cells. On the other hand, forest species exhibited traits more related to acquisitive and diversified resource strategies, which may be characteristic of the greater availability of light, water and nutrients existing in this environment. The results show considerable variation in leaf traits among forested and savanna formations, and variations in leaf characteristics are expected to be essential for the survival and development of tree species within each type of vegetation.