Differences in architecture and performance between two sub-canopy congeneric tropical tree species

We report architectural divergence between two congeneric tropical tree species coexisting in the same stratum which suggests different strategies: reducing self-shading and support costs, or maximizing light foraging. We found species-specific differential performance across light environments, suggesting that architectural differentiation could facilitate the coexistence of species with similar vertical habitat.

本研究报道了同一林层中共存的两种同属热带树种间的株型结构分异，该现象暗示二者采取了差异化生存策略：一是降低自身遮阴与支撑成本，二是最大化光照资源获取。研究发现，不同物种在不同光照环境下呈现出物种特异性的性能差异，这表明株型结构分化可促进具有相似垂直生境的物种实现共存。