Comparative vessel traits of Macaranga gigantea and Vatica dulitensis from Malaysian Borneo

Berhaman A., . and Maycock C. R., . and Both S., . and Jotan P., . and Burslem D. F. R. P., . Comparative vessel traits of Macaranga gigantea and Vatica dulitensis from Malaysian Borneo. pp. 25-34. ISSN 0128-1283

Trade-offs in wood anatomical characteristics reflect different strategies used by trees to deal with water transport in response to variation in environmental conditions. To study vascular strategies for Bornean rainforest trees we compared water transport-related anatomical characteristics in branch wood between the common tree species Vatica dulitensis (Dipterocarpaceae) from old-growth forest and the common pioneer tree species Macaranga gigantea (Euphorbiaceae) from selectively logged forest. We hypothesised that the vessel traits of the pioneer species would reflect the need to capture and transport resources to support its fast growth rate (resource-acquisitive strategy) while the species of the old-growth forest would display more conservative vessel traits (resource-conservative strategy). We found that M. gigantea had significantly greater vessel area hydraulically weighted diameter vessel area to number ratio and potential hydraulic conductivity than V. dulitensis. These results suggest that vessel traits of the common old-growth species would ensure high hydraulic safety during occasional drought when soil moisture is limited while the common species of selectively logged forest possesses an efficient water transport system but its vessels would confer lower hydraulic safety during drought conditions. These contrasting vascular strategies highlight the potential for divergent responses of species of Bornean forest trees to future climatic extremes.

Full text available from: Official URL: https://info.frim.gov.my/infocenter_applications/j...

Abstract

Trade-offs in wood anatomical characteristics reflect different strategies used by trees to deal with water transport in response to variation in environmental conditions. To study vascular strategies for Bornean rainforest trees we compared water transport-related anatomical characteristics in branch wood between the common tree species Vatica dulitensis (Dipterocarpaceae) from old-growth forest and the common pioneer tree species Macaranga gigantea (Euphorbiaceae) from selectively logged forest. We hypothesised that the vessel traits of the pioneer species would reflect the need to capture and transport resources to support its fast growth rate (resource-acquisitive strategy) while the species of the old-growth forest would display more conservative vessel traits (resource-conservative strategy). We found that M. gigantea had significantly greater vessel area hydraulically weighted diameter vessel area to number ratio and potential hydraulic conductivity than V. dulitensis. These results suggest that vessel traits of the common old-growth species would ensure high hydraulic safety during occasional drought when soil moisture is limited while the common species of selectively logged forest possesses an efficient water transport system but its vessels would confer lower hydraulic safety during drought conditions. These contrasting vascular strategies highlight the potential for divergent responses of species of Bornean forest trees to future climatic extremes.

[error in script]

Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	Trees
AGROVOC Term:	Forest trees
AGROVOC Term:	Rain forests
AGROVOC Term:	Euphorbiaceae
AGROVOC Term:	Species selection
AGROVOC Term:	Dipterocarpaceae
AGROVOC Term:	Logging
AGROVOC Term:	Hydraulic conductivity
AGROVOC Term:	Species differences
AGROVOC Term:	Size
Depositing User:	Mr. AFANDI ABDUL MALEK
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 00:54
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/8848

Actions (login required)

View Item