Physical constraints and environmental factors shape phloem anatomical traits in woody angiosperm species

Abstract

Xylem trait studies have enhanced our understanding of how plants strategically adapt their morphological and anatomical features to diverse climates. Despite the importance of the phloem in plant functioning, similar studies of phloem traits are lacking. To tackle this knowledge gap, we analyzed phloem anatomical traits of woody angiosperm species in relation to climate and the distance of samples to the stem tip. We collected main stem or branch cross-sections of 188 angiosperm woody species, which represent a wide range of climates and diverse families. Measurements of xylem vessel and phloem sieve element diameter, density, and lumen fraction were used in phylogenetic structural equation models to disentangle internal and climatic constraints on their morphological and anatomical features. Our results showed that distance-to-tip mainly affects sieve element and vessel diameter and density, while climate more strongly influenced conduit lumen fraction. Vessel size was positively correlated with temperature after correcting for the distance-to-tip, while sieve element diameter was correlated with water availability. Our results highlight the need to account for distance-to-tip when accessing anatomical variations linked to the environment, and show that sieve element traits respond to other climatic drivers than vessel traits rather than simply mirroring them.