LEAF TURNOVER RATES OF ADENOSTOMA FASCICULATUM (ROSACEAE)

Abstract

The age structure of the foliage of a 26‐yr‐old stand of Adenostoma fasciculatum H. & A. (chamise) was analyzed. The mean number of standing leaves and the yearly increase in leaf scars on the leaf‐producing short shoots allowed an estimate of annual leaf production. The average chamise leaf persists for two seasons. Short shoots produce 4–6 leaves per yr; however after 4–5 yr their productivity declines. About 72% of the standing leaves were produced during the current and 28% during the foregoing season. Nearly one‐half of all the leaves produced was found on current‐year short shoots (i.e., on long shoots that had developed during the spring of the same year). Thus, earlier estimates of leaf production in chamise based only on current‐year long shoot growth were too low.