Variability of leaf traits in natural populations of Picea omorika determines ignitability of fresh foliage

Introduction A variety of plant traits, from architectural to the cellular level, have been connected flammability, but intraspecific variability traits (ITV) and components flammability is poorly studied. The lack knowledge about ITV related appears be a major shortcoming in further interpreting species fire behavior incorporating data into models. Methods Morpho-ecophysiological (width, length, thickness, weight, area, volume, moisture content, flatness, specific leaf density tissue, ratio area volume) time-to-ignition fresh foliage were measured seven populations Picea omorika . Results All are presented along with their correlations trait. differed terms leaves’ time-to-ignition. Differences among morpho-ecophysiological also significant not consistent populations. PCA classified 49 elements three different groups, where clustered by higher area-related other time-to-ignition, index, width, one population was between two main groups. first principal accounted for 87% total variance: area- weight-derived parameters (specific index) primarily defined formation axis, while flatness (based on weight thickness) contributed second axis. Discussion suggest high natural P. regardless site history.