Variability in Needle Morphology and Water Status of Pinus cembroides across an Elevational Gradient in the Davis Mountains of west Texas, USA
Authors: Helen M. Poulos and G. P. Berlyn
Published: Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 134(2), 2007, pp. 281-288
The pinyon pines are a widely distributed group of site generalist species that dominate many of the middle to upper elevation semi-arid regions of North America. We investigated the physiological and morphological response of Pinus cembroides var. bicolor Little across an elevational gradient in the Davis Mountains of west Texas to test the hypothesis that variability in needle morphology, relative water content, and transpiration allow this species to exist across a range of elevations and local site conditions. Results from our study showed significant increases in P. cembroides needle length, mass, and area and plant water status with elevation. Our finding suggested that this species is able to adapt to changes in local environment over short distances, which is an important factor responsible for the wide distribution of pinyon pines in North America.
The pinyon pines are a widely distributed group of site generalist species that dominate many of the middle to upper elevation semi-arid regions of North America. We investigated the physiological and morphological response of Pinus cembroides var. bicolor Little across an elevational gradient in the Davis Mountains of west Texas to test the hypothesis that variability in needle morphology, relative water content, and transpiration allow this species to exist across a range of elevations and local site conditions. Results from our study showed significant increases in P. cembroides needle length, mass, and area and plant water status with elevation. Our finding suggested that this species is able to adapt to changes in local environment over short distances, which is an important factor responsible for the wide distribution of pinyon pines in North America.
