Leaf Adaptability of lWO Non·Timber Forest Species Caryota urens L. and Elettaria carrlamomum Var. Major Planted in the Pinus caribaea Enrichment Buffer Zone in SinhaInta Mab Reserve, Sri Lanka

Research on the leaf adaptability of two non-timber forest species, Caryota urens L. and Elettaria cardamomum var. major, reveals distinct light requirements for optimal growth within the Pinus caribaea enrichment buffer zone in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka. Caryota urens demonstrated superior adaptability to higher sunlight levels, with significant increases in leaf cuticle, blade, upper and lower epidermis, palisade layer, and spongy mesophyll thickness under conditions where five pine rows were removed (5R treatment). In contrast, Elettaria cardamomum exhibited optimal anatomical traits, such as increased leaf blade, lower epidermal layer, and spongy mesophyll thickness, under moderate light levels, particularly when three pine rows were removed (3R treatment). These findings provide critical insights into the optimum light requirements for these species, which can guide sustainable forest management practices in disturbed forest areas.

Welagama, H. M. V. T., Tennakoon, K. U., Gunatilleke, C. V. S., Gunatilleke, I. A. U. N., & Bandara, R. M. M. (2013). LEAF ADAPTABILITY OF lWO NON·TIMBER FOREST SPECIES Caryota urens L. AND Elettaria carrlamomum VAR. MAJOR PLANTED IN THE Pinus caribaea ENRICHMENT BUFFER ZONE IN SINHARAJA MAB RESERVE, SRI LANKA. Proceedings of International Forestry and Environment Symposium, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.31357/fesympo.v0i0.1508