UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Photosynthesis and Freezing Avoidance in Ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha) at Treeline in Hawaii

Author:
Cordell, S., Goldstein, G., Melcher, P.J., Meinzer, F.C.
Title:
Photosynthesis and Freezing Avoidance in Ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha) at Treeline in Hawaii
Periodical:
Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine Research
Year:
2000
Volume:
32
Pages:
381-387
Subject:
Ohia-lehua ecology Metrosideros polymorpha
Summary:
The Ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha), is a dominant tree species that is found in the tropical Hawaiian forest ecosystems and grows at altitudinal gradients that range from sea level to a 2500 meter treeline. Areas such as these, provide unique opportunities to study morphological and physiological responses of plants to changes in average air temperatures. This is particularly true if soil characteristics, age of substrate, and precipitation patterns, remain constant. The primary objective of this study was to determine the functional significance of changes in morphological and physiological leaf traits of the M. polymorpha that occur along altitudinal gradients, to evaluate potential tradeoffs between maximizing carbon gain and tolerating near or below freezing temperatures at the upper limit of distribution of M. polymorpha, and to identify factors that may explain why the upper limit of tree distribution in Hawaii is substantially lower than at similar latitudes in continental systems.
Label:
Botany - Ohia
Date:
Nov 2000
Collection:
Periodicals