Physiological aspects of sun and shade leaves of Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to compare the physiological parameters of sun and shade leaves of a specimen of L. molleoides. The higher-positional leaves, classified as sun leaves, presented similar photosynthetic rate, lower chlorophyill contents (a, b and total), same a chlorophyll /b chlrorophyll rate, lower transpiratory rate, same stomatal conductance and intercellular concentration of CO2 as the lower-positional leaves, classified as shade leaves. Nutrient concentration, except for Ca and Mg, was the same for both sun and shade leaves. The physiological parameter responses indicated that although receiving lower light intensity, the shade leaves had the same capacity to grow and develop as the sun leaves.