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Wood vessel diameter is related to elevation and genotype in the Hawaiian tree Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae)¹

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 11935 Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables, Florida 33156 USA; Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida 33124 USA; USDA Forest Service, 60 Nowelo Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 USA

ABSTRACT

We tested the hypothesis that trees growing at high elevations with occasional freezing temperatures have smaller diameter xylem vessels than trees of the same species growing at lower and warmer elevations. The young branch wood of the wide-ranging Hawaiian tree species Metrosideros polymorpha (Myrtaceae) was examined in three natural field populations (high, middle, and low elevations: 2469, 1280, and 107 m a.s.l., respectively) and contrasted with seedlings from these populations that were grown in a common garden at middle elevation (1190 m). Previous studies showed that these populations have some genetic differences and have distinctive leaf structure and ecophysiological traits. Vessel diameter was significantly smaller in the high elevation field and common garden plants than in middle elevation plants. However, high elevation vessels were wider in common garden plants compared to field plants, indicating that vessel diameter is determined both by genotype (parental populations) and environment (growing conditions different from those of parents). Reduced vessel diameter has implications for resistance to cavitation induced by freezing and/or drought in plants growing near tree line in Hawaii.

Key Words: altitude • cold tolerance • ecological wood anatomy • elevation • Metrosideros • Myrtaceae • xylem vessel diameter

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