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Abstract Detail


Developmental and Structural Section

Fisher, Jack B. [1], Goldstein, Guillermo [2].

Wood vessel diameter is related to elevation and ecotype in the tree Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae).

WE tested the hypothesis that secondary xylem vessels have a smaller diameter in plants at high elevations that experience occasional freezing temperatures compared to plants of the same species growing at lower and warmer elevations. The young branch wood of the wide-ranging Hawaiian tree species, Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae) was examined in three natural field populations (high, middle and low elevations: 2469, 1280 and 107 m, respectively) and contrasted with seedlings from these populations that were grown in a common garden at middle elevation (1190 m). Vessel diameter is significantly smaller in the high elevation field and common garden plants than in middle elevation plants. However, diameters were wider in common garden plants compared to field plants, indicating that vessel diameter is determined both by genetics (parental populations) and environment (growing conditions different from parents). Reduced vessel diameter has implications for resistance to freeze-induced cavitation in plants growing near tree line in Hawaii.


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1 - Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 11935 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables, Miami, Florida, 33156-4299
2 - University of Miami, Department of Biology, 1301 Memorial Drive, Coral Gables, Florida, 33124, USA

Keywords:
Metrosideros
phenotypic plasticity
vessel diameter
wood anatomy
temperature tolerance
altitude.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper:Papers for Sections
Session: 22-8
Location: 312/Bell Memorial Union
Date: Monday, July 31st, 2006
Time: 3:45 PM
Abstract ID:340


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