Phylogeny, distribution and biogeographic origin: a morpho-architectural approach from Valdivian trees.

GROSFELD, JAVIER; MAGNIN, AMARU; GEREA, MARINA; BARTHÉLÉMY, DANIEL

San Carlos de Bariloche (Río Negro)

Congreso; VI SOUTHERN CONNECTION CONGRESS.; 2010

Universidad Nacional del Comahue - CONICET - INTA

Growth, branching and architecture patterns of tree species are related to their phylogenetic origin and their spatial, geographical and ecological distributions. We studied main aspects of morphological and architectural features of several Valdivian tree species (belonging to the genera Aextoxicon, Laureliopsis, Embothrium, Gevuina, Lomatia, Luma, Myrceugenia, Maytenus, Raukaua, Dasyphyllum, Caldcluvia, and Weinmannia) from Gondwanian, Neotropical or Pantropical lineages. In all species we observed a marked evolution of the major morpho-architectural variables along individuals ontogeny. Bud structure may vary from naked to covered by cataphylls and/or stipules, and may be largely related to the distribution of these species in Argentina. Periodical monitoring during seasonal growth showed a significant correlation between primary growth rate and some environmental factors for several of the species studied. Some of the morpho-architectural traits studied could explain ecological adaptations. New data from related species belonging to other geographical areas could help elucidate the determinism of these morphological variations and/or adaptations.