The leaf anatomical trade-offs associated with plant ecological strategy variation

Abstract Plant functioning depends on variation in resource economics traits (acquisition vs. conservation) and the size of plants their parts (the ‘global spectrum plant form function’). The anatomical basis single (e.g., leaf mass per area; LMA) is generally understood, but little known regarding relationship between trade-offs ecological strategies (representing integrated suites traits). We hypothesised correlations relative extent tissue types Grime’s Competitor Stress-tolerator Ruderal (CSR) strategies, principally a trade-off structural (mechanical/fibro-vascular) photosynthetic (chlorenchyma intercellular airspace; ICAS) tissues, for ecologically contrasting herbaceous angiosperms northern Italy. Specifically, that lamina portion, represents (S-R selection), midvein it reflects mechanical constraints inherent to supporting large leaves (i.e., varies with C-selection). used microscopy image analysis determine cross-sectional area tissues from transverse sections (lamina portions) CSR strategies. Principal components (PCA) determined main (PCA1) was mechanical/fibro-vascular ICAS/epidermis/chlorenchyma, this associated (R- S-selection) lamina, (C-selection) midvein. A secondary both portions involved ICAS internal gas diffusion pathway) chlorenchyma/epidermis (light capture), S- R-selection, respectively. Our results confirm expectation strategy has underlying metabolic/architectural economics/size-related) roles.