Intraspecific variation in leaf anatomy of blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.)

Differences in anatomical characteristics of blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima Torr.) leaves were quantitatively investigated along an elevational gradient in Lee Canyon of the Spring Mountains in southern Nevada. Three elevational sites were selected: a lower blackbrush ecotone, a nearly monospecific stand in the middle of the gradient, and an upper blackbrush ecotone. Stomatal density was significantly greater and palisade parenchyma was significantly shorter in the lower ecotone compared to the upper ecotone. Vessel diameters and areas were significantly smaller, while vessel density was higher with increasing aridity. Blackbrush shrubs exhibited upper and lower elevational ecotypes at the anatomical level in...

Categories: Publication; Types: Citation, Conference Citation; Tags: Coleogyne ramosissima Torr., Ecotones, Lee Canyon, Proceedings RMRS-P-47: Shrubland dynamics, fire and water, Spring Mountains, All tags... blackbrush, fire, southern Nevada, water, wildland shrubs, Fewer tags