Leaf anatomy and gas exchange of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus and Pleroma estrelense species along different altitudes of a cloud forest

Abstract

This research aimed to understand the adaptive success of individuals of the species Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) L.R. Landrum and Pleroma estrelense (Raddi) P.J.F.Guim. & Michelang through anatomical and physiological features along an altitudinal gradient in a cloud forest. The gradient comprised an area of Private Reserve of Natural Heritage, called RPPN Alto-Montana, and is part of the Serra da Mantiqueira Environmental Preservation Area, in Itamonte, MG. This area is part of the Atlantic Forest Biome, an important plant formation that contains numerous endemic species. In the first chapter, we used the anatomical and physiological characteristics of individuals of the species Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, belonging to the Myrtaceae family at three altitudes (1500 m, 1900 m, and 2100 m). It is a species with environmental and cultural importance, widely used by the pharmaceutical industry due to its chemical properties. Through analysis of variance, it was found that the anatomical structures vary significantly along the altitudinal gradient. For the second chapter, we used individuals of the species Pleroma estrelense, from the Melastomataceae family, and used their anatomical, physiological and hydraulic characteristics, as well as soil chemical properties and texture. Samples were collected at altitudes of 1500 m, 1700 m, 1900 m, and 2100 m. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of leaves, branches, and soil were performed, then we used analysis of the variance of all variables (structural, physiology,ical and soil). Only the variables that showed a significant difference between the altitudes were used in the construction of the linear models. The models show how much soil properties affect the anatomical and physiological variables of the studied species and which anatomical and physiological variables were most affected within the model. The results suggest, that we found that the anatomical and physiological structure of the Pleroma estrelense species are directly related to altitude, as it synthesizes important geographic and climatic variables. In addition, the soil has an important influence on the development of the species along the altitudes. These results help to understand the distribution of the Pleroma estrelense in cloud forests, helping to understand future plant responses to environmental changes.