Modular growth and functional heterophylly of the phreatophyte Ziziphus lotus: A trait-based study

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

The variation of plant functional traits, from the cell to the whole-plant level, is a central question in trait-based ecology with regard to understanding ecological strategies and adaptations that result from environmental drivers. Here, we analyzed whole-plant and leaf traits of the phreatophyte Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., a long-lived shrub that dominates one of the few terrestrial groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in Mediterranean Basin drylands. We (a) assessed architectural traits and growth patterns, (b) analyzed leaf morpho-functional traits (specific leaf area [SLA] and stomata pore index [SPI]) and physiological traits (gas exchange rates), as well as their variations within individuals, and (c) evaluated temporal variations in modular growth (i.e., sequential iteration of structural units) between growing seasons and in leaf traits within seasons. Z. lotus' growth pattern was based on the repetition of modules composed of shoots (short and long) and branches (flowering and plagiotropic) that promoted a functional differentiation between vegetative and reproductive structures, respectively. We identified morpho-functionally distinct leaves (i.e., heterophylly) borne on different types of branches. Leaves on flowering branches had higher SLA and water use efficiency (WUEi), but lower SPI and transpiration rates than leaves on vegetative ones. We also observed trade-offs in the elongation of vegetative and flowering structures between growing seasons: the shorter the long shoots, the larger the flowering branches. The modular differentiation and heterophylly of Z. lotus might contribute to prioritizing the investment of resources of this phreatophyte, either for growth or reproduction, and could improve the efficiency in uptake and conservation of resources in drylands.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPlant Species Biology
Volume36
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)554-566
Number of pages13
ISSN0913-557X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.2021
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We thank Mar?a Rodr?guez, Ester Mora and Alba Rodr?guez, from the University of Almer?a (UAL), who assisted with laboratory and field work. We also thank Emilio Gonz?lez Miras, from the Environment and Water Agency of Andalusia, for his technical support in the field. We acknowledge the advice and assistance of Esmeralda Urea (UAL) in the use of the SEM for stomata visualization. This research was carried out in the framework of the LTSER Platform ?The Arid Iberian South East LTSER Platform - Spain (LTER_EU_ES_027)? and supported by the European project LIFE Adaptamed (LIFE14349 CCA/ES/000612), the Spanish Ecological Transition Ministry (through Biodiversity Foundation) project CO-ADAPTA (CA_CC_2016), and the RTI2018-102030-B-I00 project of the University of Almer?a (PPUENTE2020/001). The Spanish government supported M.T.T. with an FPU predoctoral fellowship (16/02214).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors. Plant Species Biology published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Society for the Study of Species Biology

    Research areas

  • functional traits, heteroblasty, modular unit, plant architecture, Rhamnaceae
  • Environmental planning

DOI

Recently viewed

Publications

  1. Resonanzräume
  2. Lekcja 23-24
  3. „Unbegleitete Minderjährige Flüchtlinge“ in Europa
  4. Barley shoot biomass responds strongly to N:P stoichiometry and intraspecific competition, whereas roots only alter their foraging
  5. Welcoming different perspectives in IPBES: "Nature's contributions to people" and "Ecosystem services"
  6. Article 3 Universal Application
  7. Strukturen von erzählenden Texten
  8. Effect of thermal and mechanical treatments on the hot working response of Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy
  9. Wie alles anfing
  10. Wirtschaft neu lehren
  11. Regierungszentralen und Policy-Integration
  12. Early positive effects of tree species richness on herbivory in a large-scale forest biodiversity experiment influence tree growth
  13. Mechanical behaviour and corrosion performance of thin film magnesium WE alloys
  14. Methoden zur Evaluation der Nachhaltigkeit von Unternehmen
  15. Nachhaltigkeitsbarometer: Befragung von Jugendlichen
  16. Current Research on Entrepreneurship and SME Management
  17. Resilience principles and a leverage points perspective for sustainable woody vegetation management in a social-ecological system of southwestern Ethiopia
  18. Inklusion
  19. Wettbewerbsbeschränkung
  20. Off to new pastures: Exploring Tensions Between Followers and Leaders in the Automotive Industry Challenging the Adoption of Digital Leadership
  21. Struktur eines Instruments zur Kompetenzerfassung in der Sportlehrerausbildung
  22. UmRahmen & AufBrechen
  23. The impact of introductions in telephone surveys
  24. Technology and Organization in Manufacturing
  25. Nitrogen deposition and drought events have non-additive effects on plant growth – Evidence from greenhouse experiments
  26. Kommunikation verweigert
  27. Multiple goal pursuit
  28. Export intensity and plant characteristics
  29. Wirtschaftsethik als Service
  30. Clouds and Balloons