Leaf morphology, wax composition, and residual (cuticular) transpiration of four poplar clones

Abstract Key message We identified two poplar clones of the same species as highly comparable, yet further genus to be distinctly different regarding multiple morphological and ecophysiological traits. Leaf morphology, wax composition, residual (cuticular) transpiration four (two hybrid P. × canescens , trichocarpa euphratica ) were monitored from beginning end growing season 2020. A pronounced epicuticular coverage was found only with . As most prominent substance classes cuticular primary alcohols, alkanes esters whereas completely lacking in Wax amounts slightly decreasing during significantly lower for newly formed leaves summer compared age spring. Residual about five tenfold other species. Interestingly, three investigated species, had coverages rates exactly Our findings especially surprising representing one naturally very dry hot climates Central Asia. Instead developing low transpiration, it seems major advantage develop a bloom efficiently reflecting light.