Kaisa Rissanen, Valentina Vitali, Daniel Kneeshaw, Alain Paquette
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引用次数: 0
Key message
Urban trees can acclimate to their growth environment through changes in vessel anatomy. Vessel lumen area and vessel frequency following a gradient from park trees to inner-city street trees.
Abstract
Urban trees stand in potentially stressful growth environments occurring along gradients of urban heat and impermeable surface cover and, to survive, can adjust their function and structure. The consequent tree-to-tree variations in hydraulic xylem traits can shed light on tree hydraulics and capacity to acclimate to diverse conditions, as well as identify limitations to tree growth and survival. Using microscopic analysis of increment cores, we compared early wood vessel traits of the ring-porous angiosperm Celtis occidentalis in three urban site types: central streets, residential streets and parks, within the city of Montreal. We explored differences in vessel traits (mean vessel lumen area, vessel frequency, vessel grouping index and derived variables) between site types, vessel trait intercorrelations and correlations with monthly temperature, precipitation and heat-moisture index over 10 years. The vessel traits significantly differed between site types. Park trees had the largest and central street trees had the smallest vessel lumen area and theoretical hydraulic conductivity; traits supporting efficient water transport. Central street trees had the largest vessel frequency and smallest theoretical vulnerability to cavitation; traits connected to hydraulic safety. Residential street tree traits were in between. Among central and residential street trees, water transport efficiency traits correlated positively with cool springs or arid summers, whereas among park trees, mainly vessel frequency and grouping index responded to climate variations. These results highlight the capacity of C. occidentalis to acclimate to urban environments and the potential of anatomical traits for quantifying the effects of urban environments on tree functioning.
期刊介绍：
Trees - Structure and Function publishes original articles on the physiology, biochemistry, functional anatomy, structure and ecology of trees and other woody plants. Also presented are articles concerned with pathology and technological problems, when they contribute to the basic understanding of structure and function of trees. In addition to original articles and short communications, the journal publishes reviews on selected topics concerning the structure and function of trees.
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