Analysis.xlsx

We investigated relationships between belowground growth ring ontogeny, starch content, and aboveground phenology in two southern U.S. tallgrass
prairie perennial forb species, Asclepias
viridis and Lespedeza stuevei, making
monthly excavations for a year. Belowground xylogenesis began when starch reserves were at their
seasonal low in the spring as shoots reached maximum height. The highest
relative radial growth of the ring occurred concurrently with replenishment of root
starch reserves in early summer. Xylogenesis concluded with leaf senescence in
late summer and belowground starch reserves near saturation.