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Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]
Alternative Title
Condiciones del microclima dentro de las hojas enrolladas de Lepanthes helleri (Orchidaceae)
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Publication Date
May 2008
Abstract
Epiphytic orchids of the cloud forest experience wet conditions from the high input of mist, but also drying from the potentially desiccating conditions of wind and light. The ability to minimize water loss while still maintaining photosynthetic levels is pivotal in an individual’s survival. This study examined Lepanthes helleri and the role of leaf-curling as a mechanism to regulate microclimate conditions. Parameters measured included the size of the leaf and the width of its opened curl, relative humidity of the ambient environment, air and temperature inside and outside of the leaf. The relationships between the width of the leaf opening (“aperture”) and stomatal density, the percent of open stomata, and the presence of flowers, buds, or neither were tested. Air temperature and leaf height, when factored into a model testing significance, had the most impact on how open the leaf was (stepwise multiple regression; R2 adj = 0.18, P < 0.05, DF = 58 and n = 61). Specifically, as leaf height and aperture size increased, the inside temperature increased. There was a significant difference between the mean temperatures inside and outside the leaf (Paired t-test; t = 7.48, P < 0.0001, DF = 60, n = 61 for both) as well as a negative linear regression between aperture and stomatal density (F = 8.04, R2 adj = 0.12, P = 0.007, n = 52). Las orquídeas epífitas del bosque nuboso viven en condiciones húmedas debido a la neblina y también a las condiciones desecadas por el sol y el viento. La habilidad de reducir la pérdida de agua mientras que mantiene los niveles de fotosíntesis es lo más importante para la sobrevivencia de una planta. Esta investigacion examino a Lepanthes helleri y el papel de la hoja enrollada como un mecanismo de cambio en las condiciones del microclima.
Keywords
Orchids, Orquideas, Acclimitization (Plants), Aclimatacion (Plantas), Costa Rica--Puntarenas--Monteverde Zone--Monteverde, Costa Rica--Puntarenas--Zona de Monteverde--Monteverde, CIEE Spring 2008, CIEE Primavera 2008
Description
Student affiliation : Department of Biology, Fairfield University Born Digital
Subject: topical
Orchids; Orquideas; Acclimitization (Plants); Aclimatacion (Plantas); CIEE Spring 2008; CIEE Primavera 2008
Subject: geographic
Costa Rica--Puntarenas--Monteverde Zone--Monteverde; Costa Rica--Puntarenas--Zona de Monteverde--Monteverde
Genre
Reports
Holding Location
Monteverde Institute MVI
Identifier
M39-00450
Recommended Citation
Jones, Brian C, "Microclimate conditions within the rolled leaves of Lepanthes helleri (Orchidaceae)" (2008). Tropical Ecology and Conservation [Monteverde Institute]. 260.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/tropical_ecology/260
