Bud Morphology and Shoot Growth Dynamics in Two Species of Mediterranean Sub-shrubs Co-Existing in Gypsum Outcrops

摘要: • Background and Aims Understanding the effects of environment on morphology shoot growth activities plants is crucial to identifying plant ecological strategies. This study analysed bud morphology, activity, dynamics water content at full hydration (WCh) two species Mediterranean sub-shrubs, Lepidium subulatum Linum suffruticosum, co-existing in gypsum outcrops north-east Spain. • Methods Sampling was conducted monthly over 2 years one population per species. Buds were dissected under a stereo-microscope. Shoot measured as mean increase length 15 marked individuals between consecutive samplings. Bud activity studied following variations number leaf primordia shorter than 1 mm longer 0·025 buds. • Key Results Both bore naked buds displayed discontinuous seasonal patterns growth, formation WCh. The peaked before beginning expansion. In both species, organogenesis expansion uncoupled throughout year. time lapse these processes varied year, greatest for those elements differentiated autumn. WCh more closely related organogenesis. • Conclusions similar result strong seasonality climate outcrops. spring period long branches coincided with maximum values WCh, while rest summer matched minimum values. These results support hypothesis that strongly