Am. J. Bot. Subscribe to E-TOCs
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a response
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (5)
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Aleric, K. M.
Right arrow Articles by Kirkman, L. K.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow Articles by Aleric, K. M.
Right arrow Articles by Kirkman, L. K.
Agricola
Right arrow Articles by Aleric, K. M.
Right arrow Articles by Kirkman, L. K.
(American Journal of Botany. 2005;92:682-689.)
© 2005 Botanical Society of America, Inc.

Ecology

Growth and photosynthetic responses of the federally endangered shrub, Lindera melissifolia (Lauraceae), to varied light environments1

Katherine M. Aleric and L. Katherine Kirkman2

Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Ichauway, Route 2, Box 2324, Newton, Georgia 39870 USA

ABSTRACT

Photosynthetic, morphological, and growth responses to light environment can be useful measurements to determine favorable habitat conditions for the conservation of endangered species. For Lindera melissifolia (Walt.) Blume, we compared morphological and photosynthetic responses under natural and controlled light regimes, and growth under three light treatments: 100%, 42%, and 19% full sunlight. Typical sun–shade morphological responses to decreasing light levels included decreased stomatal density, increased specific leaf area, and increased leaf area ratio. Photosynthetic capacity (3–6 µmol CO2 · m–2 · s–1) was consistent with other shade-tolerant species. Light-saturated rates of photosynthesis of experimental plants increased with increasing light up to 42% sunlight, but declined at 100% sunlight. The 100% light treatment also resulted in lower plant biomass, primarily from a reduction in root biomass. Results indicate that canopy conditions at levels below 40% sunlight are optimal for plant growth and should be considered in management and reintroduction efforts for this species.

Key Words: endangered species • Lauraceae • Lindera melissifolia • morphological plasticity • optimal habitat • photosynthetic light response • pondberry • shade tolerance






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 2005 by the Botanical Society of America, Inc.