Leaf-form characteristics of plants inQuercus aquifolioidescommunity along an elevational gradient on the Balang Mountain in Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan,China

A study on the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries reveals that leaf-form characteristics of plants in the Quercus aquifolioides community vary significantly along an elevational gradient (2200–3600 m) on Balang Mountain, Wolong Nature Reserve. The research found that small-type leaves dominate, accounting for 36.09% of vascular plant species, while fine and medium-type leaves contribute equally (~25%). Large and giant leaves are less common (<10%), with micro-type leaves ranging from 1.28% to 5.59%. Leaf morphology shifts with elevation, showing a decline in small leaves at mid-elevation (3000 m) before rising again. Single-leaf species predominate (~76%), though complex leaves increase slightly at higher elevations. Leaf texture also varies, with paper-like leaves being most common (46.03%), followed by thin (29.17%) and leathery (22%) types. The study highlights the adaptability of plant leaf traits to elevation changes in this unique high-mountain oak forest ecosystem.

LIU Xingliang, 刘兴良, HE Fei, 何飞, FAN Hua, 樊华, PAN Hongli, 潘红丽, LI Maihe, 李迈和, & LIU Shirong, 刘世荣. (2013). Leaf-form characteristics of plants inQuercus aquifolioidescommunity along an elevational gradient on the Balang Mountain in Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan,China. Acta Ecologica Sinica, 33(22), 7148–7156. https://doi.org/10.5846/stxb201207181024