Structural and defensive roles of angiosperm leaf venation network reticulation across an Andes–Amazon elevation gradient

Norma Salinas, Lisa Patrick Bentley, Alexander Shenkin, Percy Orlando Chambi Porroa, Yolvi Valdez Tejeira, Tatiana Erika Boza Espinoza, Gregory R. Goldsmith, Lucas Enrico, Roberta Martin, Gregory P. Asner, Sandra Díaz, Brian J. Enquist, Yadvinder Malhi, Benjamin Blonder

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The network of minor veins of angiosperm leaves may include loops (reticulation). Variation in network architecture has been hypothesized to have hydraulic and also structural and defensive functions. We measured venation network trait space in eight dimensions for 136 biomass-dominant angiosperm tree species along a 3,300 m elevation gradient in southeastern Peru. We then examined the relative importance of multiple ecological and evolutionary predictors of reticulation. Variation in minor venation network reticulation was constrained to three axes. These axes described reconnecting vs. branching veins, elongated vs. compact areoles compact vs. elongated and low vs. high-density veins. Variation in the first two axes was predicted by traits related to mechanical strength and secondary compounds, and in the third axis by site temperature. Synthesis. Defensive and structural factors primarily explain variation in multiple axes of reticulation, with a smaller role for climate-linked factors. These results suggest that venation network reticulation may be determined more by species interactions than by hydraulic functions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1683-1699
Number of pages17
JournalJournal of Ecology
Volume106
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2018

Keywords

  • damage resilience
  • damage resistance
  • leaf performance
  • loop
  • redundancy
  • reticulation
  • trait space
  • tropical forest
  • venation network

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Ecology
  • Plant Science

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