Leaf size zonation pattern of woody species along an altitudinal gradient on Mt. Pulog, Philippines
Issue Date
12-1999
Abstract
Leaf size zonation along an altitudinal gradient from 2000-2700 m a.s.l, on Mt. Pulog, Cordillera mountain range, Luzon Is., Philippines was examined using the Raunkiaer-Webb classification system. The entire altitudinal range studied was dominated by the small leaf size classes which possess thick, lustrous, pubescent leaves adapted to high evapotranspiration, cold temperature and other stressful conditions. Altitudinal leaf size zonation was identified as follows: (1) pure needle leaved zone from 2000-2300 m a.s.l., (2) mixed needle leaved/microphyllous zone from 2300-2400 m a.s.l., (3) microphyllous zone from 2400-2600 m a.s.l, and, (4) microphyllous/nanophyllous zone from 2600-2700 m a.s.l., coinciding with the altitudinal vegetation zonation. This pattern is different from that in other tropical mountains, which usually show a gradual shift from a mesophyllous zone in the lowland to a nanophyllous zone in the upper subalpine. Stressful conditions such as steep topography (1200-2300 m a.s.l.), cloud cover, decrease of temperature, strong winds (2600-2700 m a.s.l.) could have influenced the altitudinal leaf size zonation on Mt. Pulog. The complex phytogeographical position of Mt. Pulog as a transition region between the tropics and subtropics have also influenced leaf size zonation as in eastern Himalaya, southwestern China and Taiwan.
Source or Periodical Title
Plant Ecology
ISSN
13850237
Volume
145
Page
197-208
Document Type
Article
College
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Subject
Leaf size classes, Montane zone, Philippines, Phytogeographical transition region, Raunkiaer-Webb classification, Tropical mountain
Recommended Citation
Buot, I. E. and Okitsu, S., "Leaf size zonation pattern of woody species along an altitudinal gradient on Mt. Pulog, Philippines" (1999). Journal Article. 3372.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/3372