Variation in Leaf Structure An Ecophysiological Perspective

Leaf structure is central to plant function, and the implications of this, both to the plant itself and at the ecosystem level, are now becoming fully realized. This book addresses variation in leaf structure in detail, with reviews and analyses on specific aspects, and encapsulates the state of current knowledge in this important area. Leaf structure is intimately connected with the rate at which the leaf fixes carbon dioxide, the rate at which the plant can grow and the efficiency with which the plant conserves nutrients. It is therefore related to plant performance in different habitats, and can be used to characterize species, to define functional groups and even to predict the response of species to varying environmental conditions. Up-to-date and authoritative, the various approaches to leaf structure discussed in this book provide a unique resource that identifies the key issues and challenges for future research.