Variation in leaf mass per unit area (LMA) and phenological traits in evergreen and deciduous tree species in a seasonally dry tropical forest in Northern Western Ghats

Abstract

There is considerable variation both within and among tropical forests and forest types in leaf structural characteristics or leaf traits. Leaf traits have several consequences of ecosystem functioning through processes of primary production, trophic transfer, etc. LMA is a key leaf trait shown to be correlated with other primary leaf traits. This study done with 76 species from Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the northern extreme of Western Ghats, documents variation in LMA with light environment (habitat types), leaf habit, plant habit, and phenological traits - average canopy, duration of deciduousness, month of peak flush and month of peak senescence. Leaf area and LMA varied significantly among species both for mature and recently flushed (immature) leaves. LMA differed significantly between different plant habits and leaf habits in case of both mature and immature leaves. LMA of mature leaves differed significantly with month of peak flush. Light environment and month of peak senescence had no significant effect on LMA of mature as well as that of immature leaves. LMA (mature) was positively correlated with average canopy and negatively correlated with duration of deciduousness. The difference in LMA of mature and immature leaves did not differ for different leaf habits. It was positively correlated with average canopy, but showed no correlation with duration of deciduousness.