Physiological and structural traits of the congeneric species Styrax ferrugineus and S. pohlii occurring in contrasting environments

摘要: Abstract Abscisic acid (ABA) attenuates stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) in response to drought. Broadly known as ‘Brazilian savanna’, the Cerrado sensu lato is a mosaic of landscapes, including savanna-type vegetation, such cerrado stricto (s. str.), riparian forests occurring along rivers. These habitats share floristic elements, congeneric species are adapted grow these drought- flood-prone environments. We assessed leaf concentration ABA its metabolites, well gs, E water potential (Ψw) shrubs Styrax ferrugineus s. str. (savanna species) trees S. pohlii forest (forest species), both wet dry seasons. also quantified 9-cis epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) gene expression leaves, wood anatomical features stems. expected that would not increase their content during season because moist soil from forest. Regardless environment, expressed NCED, synthesized ABA, exhibited reductions Ψw gs season, confirming universal responses season. The savanna had more xylem vessels per mm2 were narrower than those observed stems species, resulting low vulnerability cavitation (lvul) estimated for species. Our results demonstrate that, despite inhabiting contrasting habitats, display similar ecophysiological may explain geographical distribution.