Cavitation Resistance Among 26 Chaparral Species of Southern California
Ecological Monographs, 77(1), 2007, pp. 99–115 Ó 2007 by the Ecological Society of America CAVITATION RESISTANCE AMONG 26 CHAPARRAL SPECIES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 1,4 2 1 3 ANNA L. JACOBSEN, R. BRANDON PRATT, FRANK W. EWERS, AND STEPHEN D. DAVIS 1Department of Plant Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1312 USA 2Department of Biology, California State University, Bakersfield, 14 SCI, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, California 93311 USA 3Natural Science Division, Pepperdine University, 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90263 USA Abstract. Resistance to xylem cavitation depends on the size of xylem pit membrane pores and the strength of vessels to resist collapse or, in the case of freezing-induced cavitation, conduit diameter. Altering these traits may impact plant biomechanics or water transport efficiency. The evergreen sclerophyllous shrub species, collectively referred to as chaparral, which dominate much of the mediterranean-type climate region of southern California, have been shown to display high cavitation resistance (pressure potential at 50% loss of hydraulic conductivity; P50). We examined xylem functional and structural traits associated with more negative P50 in stems of 26 chaparral species. We correlated raw-trait values, without phylogenetic consideration, to examine current relationships between P50 and these xylem traits. Additionally, correlations were examined using phylogenetic independent contrasts (PICs) to determine whether evolutionary changes in these xylem traits correlate with changes in P50. Co-occurring chaparral species widely differ in their P50 (À0.9 to À11.0 MPa). Species experiencing the most negative seasonal pressure potential (Pmin) had the highest resistance to xylem cavitation (lowest P50). Decreased P50 was associated with increased xylem density, stem mechanical strength (modulus of rupture), and transverse fiber wall area when both raw values and PICs were analyzed.
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