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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2001; 3(1): 50-61
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-11750
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

The Growth Form of Croton pullei (Euphorbiaceae) - Functional Morphology and Biomechanics of a Neotropical Liana

F. Gallenmüller 1 , U. Müller 2 , N. Rowe 3 , T. Speck 1
  • 1 Botanical Garden, University of Freiburg, Germany, Plant Biomechanics Group
  • 2 Wageningen Agricultural University, Netherlands, Forestry Department
  • 3 Laboratoire de Paléobotanique ISEM, UMR 5554 CNRS, Université de Montpellier 2, 34095 Montpellier Cedex 05, France
Further Information

Publication History

August 8, 2000

December 11, 2000

Publication Date:
31 December 2001 (online)

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Abstract

Croton pullei (Euphorbiaceae) is a woody climber of the lowland rainforest in French Guyana and Surinam. During ontogeny, a shift from a juvenile free-standing growth phase to an older supported growth phase is observed. The following biomechanical parameters were studied: structural Young's modulus, structural torsional modulus, flexural stiffness and bend to twist ratios. Changes in anatomical development were also analysed for different stages of development of C. pullei which differ significantly in their mechanical properties. Free-standing plants show a nearly constant structural Young's modulus and structural torsional modulus during ontogeny, with flexural stiffness increasing proportionally with the axial second moment of area. These patterns are typical for “semi-self-supporting plants”. In contrast, supported plants show a significant decrease in structural Young's modulus in older stem parts, as well as a decrease in structural torsional modulus. Due to the decrease in structural Young's modulus, flexural stiffness does not increase proportionally with the axial second moment of area. These patterns are typical for non-self-supporting lianas. In all supported plants, a sudden transition occurs from early dense wood to a wood type with a much higher proportion of large diameter vessels. In contrast, only the dense wood type is present in all tested free-standing plants. The data are compared with results from other climbing species of the same study area and discussed with reference to observed features characterizing the growth form and life history of C. pullei.

Key words

Croton pullei - growth form - liana - ontogenetic stage - semi-self-supporting - structural Young's modulus - structural torsional modulus

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F. Gallenmüller

Botanical Garden
University of Freiburg

Schänzlestr. 1
79104 Freiburg
Germany

Email: fgallenmueller@hotmail.com

Section Editor: R. Aerts