Morphological and ecophysiological traits shaping altitudinal distribution of three Polylepis treeline species in the dry tropical Andes

0340122 - BÚ 2010 RIV FR eng J - Journal Article
Macek, Petr - Macková, J. - de Bello, F.
Morphological and ecophysiological traits shaping altitudinal distribution of three Polylepis treeline species in the dry tropical Andes.
Acta Oecologica-International Journal of Ecology. Roč. 35, č. 6 (2009), s. 778-785. ISSN 1146-609X. E-ISSN 1873-6238
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT LC06073
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z60050516
Keywords : Cuticular waxes * Gas exchange * Treeline
Subject RIV: EF - Botanics
Impact factor: 1.609, year: 2009

Numerous species of the genus Polylepis form the highest treeline in the world, with striking dissimilarities in their upper altitudinal limits. The commonly accepted hypothesis is: growth at a treeline is temperature-limited. Using records of morphological and ecophysiological traits, we aimed to identify other factors influencing altitudinal distribution of P. tarapacana, P. tomentella and P. rugulosa in dry tropical Andes. Trait changes were generally more pronounced in P. rugulosa (it had e.g. elevated transpiration, cuticular waxes most enriched in 13C). Trade-offs linked to leaf area likely drive differentiation and adaptations to altitude of these species. While the upper distribution limit of P. tarapacana and P. tomentella is driven by low temperature, water is an important additional factor controlling the altitudinal distribution of P. rugulosa. Hence, water stress needs to be taken into account among the factors shaping altitudinal distribution of tropical treeline species.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0183434