Response of Leaf Functional Traits of Shrubs to Altitude in Rhododendron latoucheae Communities in Mt. Jinggangshan, Jiangxi, China

Abstract:

In order to understand the adaptive mechanism of Rhododendron latoucheae community in Jinggang Mountain, Jiangxi Province, the changes in leaf functional traits of dominant species in shrub layer were analyzed along altitude. The results showed that the altitudinal gradient had significant effects on leaf functional traits of shrub species. The dry matter content (LDMC), thickness (LT), nitrogen (LNC) and phosphorus concentration (LPC) of leaves increased with altitude rising, whereas the specific leaf area (SLA) and N/P reduced, and the leaf size (LS) increased at first and then decreased. There were significant relations among leaf functional traits. LDMC had negative relation with SLA and LS, positive relation with LT, LNC and LPC. SLA and LT, LNC and LPC had positive relation, whereas LS and LT, N/P and LPC had negative relations, respectively. Environment factors influence on leaf functional traits. Except for altitude, slope also affected SLA, LPC and N/P, and aspect and gradient influenced LS and LNC, respectively. So, it was suggested that the shrub species in Rhododendron latoucheae community could adapt altitude and other environment factors by adjusting leaf functional traits.

Key words:Leaf;Functional trait;Altitude;Dry matter;Rhododendron latoucheae;Jinggang Mountain