Abstract:In order to understand the differences of leaf functional traits of parasitic plants and their influencing factors, the effects of host plants on leaf functional traits of three mistletoes in Xishuangbanna were studied, and the correlation between leaf functional traits of mistletoes and host plants was analyzed. The results showed that there were significant differences in leaf functional traits of the same mistletoes from different host plants. The leaf water content (61.2%-70.1%), nitrogen concentration (9.6-16.0 g/kg), C/N (30.8-48.5), and condense tannin content (3.3%-11.0%) of Dendrophthoe pentandra displayed significant differences among its seven host species. Besides, the leaf water content (60.0%-71.7%), carbon concentration (431.3-502.3 g/kg), and condense tannin content (3.8%-9.9%) of Scurrula chingii var. yunnanensis also showed significant difference among its four host species, but there was no significant difference in functional traits of Helixanthera parasitica from its two host species. In general, leaf water content, carbon concentration, nitrogen concentration, C/N, and condense tannin content had positive significant correlation between mistletoes and their host plants. Therefore, it was concluded that host plants as nutrient resource could influence leaf functional traits of mistletoe. Mistletoe obtains water, carbon, nitrogen, and condense tannin from the host plant; but the ability to obtain different elements varies with host species.
