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Leaf physiological response to light environment of three tree fern species in a Mexican cloud forest

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2013

K. Riaño  and
O. Briones
K. Riaño
Affiliation:
Instituto de Ecología, A. C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Apartado Postal 63, 91070 Veracruz, México
O. Briones*
Affiliation:
Instituto de Ecología, A. C., Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa, Apartado Postal 63, 91070 Veracruz, México
*
1Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract:

Abundance and physiology of three understorey tree fern species were compared in a Mexican cloud forest. We hypothesized that the distribution of species would be associated with canopy openness and leaf physiological characteristics. In gullies (1–2% full sun), Alsophila firma was abundant, Cyathea divergens was distributed in moderately open places (4–9%), and Lophosoria quadripinnata preferred more open canopy (9–30%). Although 11 leaf traits of five plants of each species growing under closed and open canopies over 1 y did not differ within species, there were significant interspecific differences. Alsophila firma had comparatively low maximum electron transport rate ETRmax (26.8 ± 1.81 μmol m−2 s−1) and ETR light saturation point (ETRLSP: 261 ± 36.1 μmol m−2 s−1), high specific leaf area (SLA), thin leaves and decreased quantum yield during a leaf desiccation experiment. Cyathea divergens had relatively high maximum quantum yield (0.84 ± 0.004), ETRmax (37.3 ± 1.8 μmol m−2 s−1) and ETRLSP (409 ± 40.0 μmol m−2 s−1). Lophosoria quadripinnata had comparatively thick leaves, low SLA, high predawn water potential, high density (606 ± 25.5 mm−2) and small length (0.026 ± 0.002 mm) stomata. The results support the hypothesis that light sensitivity shapes tree fern distribution in the cloud forest.

Keywords

Alsophilachlorophyll fluorescenceCyatheaLophosoriaphotosynthesisplant water statusshade tolerance
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Tropical Ecology , Volume 29 , Issue 3 , May 2013 , pp. 217 - 228
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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References

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