New Zealand Journal of Botany abstracts

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Leaf Strength in Four Species of Chionochloa (Arundineae)

H. E. Connor

Botany Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Christchurch

R. W. Bailey

Applied Biochemistry Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Palmerston North

Abstract Interspecific differences in strength of leaf blades, measured by breaking load, are present among four eastern South Island species of Chionochloa; when breaking load is corrected for difference in dry weight of uniform lengths of blade three groups are recognised, C. rubra = C. rigida > C. flavescens > C- macra Strength is correlated with both cellulose and lignin concentration though variable in expression; strength is also related to leaf anatomy in that species with a continuous band of abaxial sclerenchyma are stronger than those with an interrupted band. Neither leaf anatomy nor concentration of structural polysaccharides and lignin adequately accounts for the variable data. Leaf sheaths are only half as strong as blades and there is no correlation with cellulose or lignin levels. Leaf strength is an adequate taxonomic character.

Received 29 May 1972 New Zealand Journal of Botany 10: 515-32.

PDF file of entire paper: medium quality (749K); (scanned from paper original: notes about this process)

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