Tree initial growth responds sequentially to seed mass and leaf traits in Chinese oaks

Clicks: 9
ID: 314856
2026
Free PDF
Article Quality & Performance Metrics
Overall Quality
Not rated
Combines reader engagement with the AI quality analysis. This article has not been analysed, so there is no overall score — reader engagement is measured and shown alongside.
AI Quality Assessment
Not analyzed
Readership in this journal
Steady

Ranked #10 of 98 articles by views in journal of plant ecology

Most read Least read

Bar heights use a square-root scale.

Mint this article as an NFT
Not yet minted

Create a permanent, verifiable on-chain record of this article on the Scimatic Network. The NFT is held in your Journament account, and you can withdraw it to your own wallet at any time.

5 SUSD one-off · no wallet required
Sign in to mint
Abstract
Abstract Plant growth is shaped by different ecological strategies, which are in turn related to relationships among multiple traits. The mechanistic pathways underlying sequential multi-trait associations with plant growth remain poorly understood. We conducted a common garden experiment to test the responses of early growth of Chinese oaks to seed mass and leaf traits, including 14 evergreen and deciduous species. We fitted logistic models to quantify growth rates, tested interspecific variation and relationships across traits and used Bayesian Phylogenetic Path Models to analyze growth pathways. We found large variation across leaf habits and across species within habits in all traits. Trait correlations and path models supported a two-stage sequential early growth model in which seed reserves enhance root collar growth first, and leaf functional traits such as larger leaves and higher specific leaf area promote seedling elongation. Leaf habit mediated the ecological strategies of oaks: deciduous species tended to exhibit more acquisitive strategies, while evergreen species were more conservative. Both deciduous and evergreen oaks exhibited large variation in ecological strategies and functional traits shaped by phylogenetically structured adaptations and trade-offs operating within each habit.
Reference Key
openalex_W7162316525 Use this key to autocite in the manuscript while using SciMatic Manuscript Manager or Thesis Manager
Authors Muxi Chang, Gelu Ma, Yufan Zhu, Guolei Li, Ignacio Morales-Castilla
Journal journal of plant ecology
Year 2026
DOI
10.1093/jpe/rtag115
URL
https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtag115
Keywords Keywords not found

Citations

No citations found. To add a citation, contact the admin at info@scimatic.org

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment on this article.