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Shoot dimorphism enables Sequoia sempervirens to separate requirements for foliar water uptake and photosynthesis
Author(s) -
Chin Alana R. O.,
GuzmánDelgado Paula,
Sillett Stephen C.,
Orozco Jessica,
Kramer Russell D.,
Kerhoulas Lucy P.,
Moore Zane J.,
Reed Marty,
Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
american journal of botany
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.218
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1537-2197
pISSN - 0002-9122
DOI - 10.1002/ajb2.1841
Subject(s) - sequoia , shoot , evergreen , biology , photosynthesis , botany , crown (dentistry) , photosynthetic capacity , leaf size , horticulture , woody plant , medicine , dentistry
Premise Trees in wet forests often have features that prevent water films from covering stomata and inhibiting gas exchange, while many trees in drier environments use foliar water uptake to reduce water stress. In forests with both wet and dry seasons, evergreen trees would benefit from producing leaves capable of balancing rainy‐season photosynthesis with summertime water absorption. Methods Using samples collected from across the vertical gradient in tall redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) crowns, we estimated tree‐level foliar water uptake and employed physics‐based causative modeling to identify key functional traits that determine uptake potential by setting hydraulic resistance. Results We showed that Sequoia has two functionally distinct shoot morphotypes. While most shoots specialize in photosynthesis, the axial shoot type is capable of much greater foliar water uptake, and its within‐crown distribution varies with latitude. A suite of leaf surface traits cause hydraulic resistance, leading to variation in uptake capacity among samples. Conclusions Shoot dimorphism gives tall Sequoia trees the capacity to absorb up to 48 kg H 2 O h −1 during the first hour of leaf wetting, ameliorating water stress while presumably maintaining high photosynthetic capacity year round. Geographic variation in shoot dimorphism suggests that plasticity in shoot‐type distribution and leaf surface traits helps Sequoia maintain a dominate presence in both wet and dry forests.

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