Acclimation limits for embolism resistance and osmotic adjustment accompany the geographical dry edge of Mediterranean species

Survival and growth of woody species in the Mediterranean are mainly restricted by water availability. We tested hypothesis that acclimate their xylem vulnerability osmotic potential along a precipitation gradient. studied five predominant co-occurring species; Quercus calliprinos, Pistacia palaestina, lentiscus, Rhamnus lycioides Phillyrea latifolia, over two summers at three sites. The driest sites is distribution edge for all species. measured key hydraulic traits related to drought resistance, including resistance embolism (Ψ50) seasonal dynamics potentials. leaf potentials (Ψl) declined significantly summer, reaching lower Ψl end summer drier Surprisingly, we did not find plasticity gradient Ψ50 or This resulted much narrower safety margins (HSMs) sites, where some experienced significant embolism. Our analysis indicates reduction HSM null values put risk as they approach limit near geographical dry distribution. Read free Plain Language Summary this article on Journal blog.