An architectural approach to the growth forms of Nothofagus pumilo (Nothofagaceae) along an altitudinal gradient

• Published in: Botany
• Main Authors: Stecconi, Marina, Puntieri, Javier, Barthélémy, Daniel
• Other Authors: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, BotAnique et BioinforMatique de l'Architecture des Plantes, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (Cirad)-Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques (UM2)-Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD France-Ouest )-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2010
• Subjects: AXE DE DIFFERENCIATION; HETRE ANTARCTIQUE; FORMES DE CROISSANCE; [SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]; Patagonia; Antarc*; Antarctique*
• Online Access: https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-02665073; https://doi.org/10.1139/B10-040

International audience Variations in the architecture and axis structure of different growth forms of Nothofagus pumilio (Poepp. et Endl.) Krasser (Nothofagaceae) were studied along an altitudinal gradient. We evaluated the primary growth and branching pattern of annual shoots belonging to the main axis categories (trunk, main branches, and secondary (short) branches) of four growth forms developed at different altitudes (1200–1600 m a.s.l.) in northern Patagonia: (i) low shrubs at the high-altitude timberline, (ii) high shrubs at high altitude, (iii) low trees at mid-altitude slopes, and (iv) high trees at low-altitude single-species forests. Shoot structure and branch distribution along shoots were similar for all axis categories and growth forms. Significant differences between axis categories were found regarding the sizes of shoots, which decreased from trunk to secondary/short branches. For each axis category, shoots of similar size differed between growth forms in stem slenderness and internode length. The extent of differentiation between axis categories is key in the structural distinction between growth forms of N. pumilio.