Some growth/environment relationships of Avicennia eucalyptifolia zipp ex miq. along an environmental gradient.

Abstract

The importance of mangrove ecosystems and of mangrove research are detailed. Studies of shoot and leaf growth of a single species, Avicennia eucalyptifolia Zipp. ex Miq. are reported in relation to changes in leaf water potential, leaf water content, soil salinity, soil moisture content and climate. Investigations were conducted during the period April - August 1984 over a range of plant communities at different elevations above mean sea level which showed marked variation in size and structure. Growth in all plant communities declined markedly at the start of the dry season. Soil salinity increased and leaf water potential decreased significantly during the period. Leaf water content declined only slowly. Temperature, humidity, daylength and the frequency of tidal inundation also declined. The physiological implications of the monitored changes are discussed. Show more