Scaling of tree vascular transport systems along gradients of nutrient supply and altitude

Investigating whether trees growing at high altitude or on nutrient-depleted soils prioritise survival over minimising hydraulic resistance by narrowing xylem distally or of their vascular systems would be structured differently from those of trees growing under more benign conditions. Conduits were observed to narrow towards the periphery of vascular system within all members of all species investigated, and scaling relation-ships were indistinguishable across a range of environments.

Coomes, D.A.; Jenkins, K.L.; Cole L.E.S.
2006
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