Studies on Leaf Functional Traits of Nine Woody Lianas in the Karst Area of Central Guizhou Province

Abstract:

In order to reveal the ecological strategies of lianas in karst habitats, the leaf function traits and their relationships of nine woody lianas in Chenqi watershed of the Puding Karst Ecosystem Observation and Research Station of Chinese Academy of Sciences were studied. The results showed that six leaf functional traits, such as leaf area, leaf thickness, chlorophyll content, specific leaf area, leaf tissue density and leaf dry matter content, had varied in different degrees. The interspecific variation of traits ranged from 9.24% to 98.18%, while intraspecific variation from 0.64% to 39.71%. The intraspecific coefficient of variation of traits in deciduous plant was lower than that in evergreen plants. Compared with leaves of karst trees and shrubs, lianas had lower thickness, tissue density and higher area and dry matter content. There was close relationship among leaf functional traits in lianas. Specific leaf area had significant negative correlation with leaf tissue density and leaf dry matter content, and leaf tissue density had significant positive correlation with leaf dry matter content. Chlorophyll content had significant negative correlation with leaf dry matter content. Leaf thickness had significant positive correlation with chlorophyll content, and significant negative correlation with leaf tissue density. Except for leaf thickness, leaf area had significant correlation with other traits. Combined the leaf economic spectrum theory analysis, Vitis davidii var. davidii, Pueraria montana, and V. amurensis belonged to "quick-return type", and Akebia trifoliata and Rubus pinfaensis, Rosa cymosa and Millettia extensa belonged to "slow-return type". The functional differentiation of Rubus coreanus and Berchemia polyphylla was obvious, fall in between. Therefore, it was suggested that lianas adopt different adaptation strategies by weighing the relationship among leaf functional traits in order to adapt to the arid and barren karst environment.

Key words:Karst;Woody lianas;Leaf;Functional trait;Variation;Leaf economic spectrum