Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The Prediction and Physiological Significance of Tree Height

  • Chapter
Vegetation Dynamics & Global Change

Abstract

In this chapter the potential limits on the maximum height of trees are examined with a view toward making maximum height predictable from biological and physical principles. The maximum height of trees is species-dependent. Within a species, increased availability of resources such as nutrients, water, and irradiance leads to increased height, but why is it that species do not grow higher than they do, even in the most favorable sites? Is there a genetic component to the maximum height of species? If not, then what environmental factor or factors limit their height?

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Boyer, J.S., Cavalieri, A.J. and Schulze, E.-D. (1985). Control of the rate of cell enlargement: excision, wall relaxation, and growth-induced water potentials. Planta, 163, 527–43.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradford, K.J. and Hsiao, T.C. (1982). Physiological responses to moderate water stress. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology (NS) Volume 12B. Physiological Plant Ecology II: Water Relations and Carbon Assimilation, ed. O.L. Lange, P.S. Nobel, C.B. Osmond and H. Ziegler, pp. 263–324. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cleland, R.E. (1986). The role of hormones in wall loosening and plant growth. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 13, 93–103.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cosgrove, D.J., van Volkenburgh, E. and Cleland, R.E. (1984). Stress relaxation of cell walls and the yield threshold for growth. Demonstration and measurement by micro-pressure probe and psychrometer techniques. Planta, 162, 46–54.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Farquhar, G.D. and Sharkey, T.D. (1982). Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis. Annual Review of Plant Physiology, 33, 317–45.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Givnish, T.J. (1986). Optimal stomatal conductance, allocation of energy between leaves and roots, and the marginal cost of transpiration. In On the Economy of Plant Form and Function, ed. T.J. Givnish, pp. 171–213. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Givnish, T.J. (1988). Adaptation to sun and shade: a whole plant perspective. Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 15, 63–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Graan, T. and Boyer, J.S. (1990). Very high CO2 partially restores photosynthesis in sunflower at low water potentials. Planta, 181, 378–84.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hall, A.E. (1982). Mathematical models of plant water loss and plant water relations. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology (NS) Volume 12B. Physiological Plant Ecology II: Water Relations and Carbon Assimilation, ed. O.L. Lange, P.S. Nobel, C.B. Osmond and H. Ziegler, pp. 231–61. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinkley, T.M., Schroeder, M.D., Roberts, J.E. and Bruckerhoff, D.N. (1975). Effect of several environmental variables and xylem pressure potential on leaf surface resistance in white oak. Forest Science, 21, 201–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Iwasa, Y., Cohen, D. and León, J.A. (1985). Tree height and crown shape, as results of competitive games. Journal of Theoretical Biology, 112, 279–97.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, H.G. (1986). Plants and Microclimate. 2nd ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaufmann, M.R. and Troendle, C.A. (1981). The relationship of leaf area and foliage biomass to sapwood conducting area in four subalpine forest tree species. Forest Science, 27, 477–82.

    Google Scholar 

  • King, D.A. (1990). The adaptive significance of tree height. American Naturalist, 6, 809–28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Klein, J.R., Reed, K.L., Waring, R.H. and Stewart, M.L. (1976). Field measurements of transpiration in Douglas-fir. Journal of Applied Ecology, 13, 273–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kramer, P.J. and Kozlowski, T.T. (1979). Physiology of Woody Plants. New York: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lakso, A.N. (1979). Seasonal changes in stomatal response to leaf water potential in apple. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 104, 58–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mattson-Djos, D. (1981). The use of pressure-bomb and porometer for describing plant water stress in tree seedlings. In Proceedings of a Nordic Symposium on Vitality and Quality of Nursery Stock, ed. P. Puttonen, p. 57. Department of Silviculture, University of Helsinki, Finland.

    Google Scholar 

  • McMahon, T. (1973). Size and shape in biology. Science, 179, 1201–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McMahon, T.A. (1975). The mechanical design of trees. Scientific American, 233, 92–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niklas, K.J. (1989). The cellular mechanics of plants. American Scientist, 77, 344–9.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nobel, P.S. (1983). Biophysical Plant Physiology and Ecology. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, J. A., Fahey, T.J. and Knight, D.H. (1984). Biomass and leaf area in contrasting lodgepole pine forests. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 14, 259–65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pearson, J.A., Knight, D.H. and Fahey, T.J. (1987). Biomass and nutrient accumulation during stand development in Wyoming lodgepole pine forests. Ecology, 68, 1966–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Running, S.W. and Coughlan, J.C. (1988). A general model of forest ecosystem processes for regional applications. I. Hydrological balance, canopy gas exchange and primary production processes. Ecological Modelling, 42, 125–54.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, M.G. (1990a). Effects of climate change on plant respiration. Ecological Applications, 1:157–167.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, M.G. (1990b). Growth and maintenance respiration in stems of Pinus conforta and Picea engelmannii. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 20, 48–57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ryan, M.G. and Waring, R.H. (1992). Maintenance respiration and stand development in a subalpine lodgepole pine forest. Ecology, (in press).

    Google Scholar 

  • Schulze, E.-D. and Hall, A.E. (1982). Stomatal responses, water loss and CO2 assimilation rates of plants in contrasting environments. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology (NS) Volume 12B. Physiological Plant Ecology II: Water Relations and Carbon Assimilation, ed. O.L. Lange, P.S. Nobel, C.B. Osmond and H. Ziegler, pp. 181–230. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shugart, H.H. (1984). A Theory of Forest Dynamics. New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, G. and Davies, W.J. (1986). Leaf growth of Betula and Acer in simulated shadelight. Oecologia, 69, 589–93.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tyree, M.T. and Jarvis, P.G. (1982). Water in tissues and cells. In Encyclopedia of Plant Physiology (NS) Volume 12B. Physiological Plant Ecology II: Water Relations and Carbon Assimilation, ed. O.L. Lange, P.S. Nobel, C.B. Osmond and H. Ziegler, pp. 35–77. Berlin: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waring, R.H. (1970). Matching species to site. In Regeneration of Ponderosa Pine, ed. R.K. Hermann, pp. 54–61. Forest Research Laboratory, Oregon State University, Corvallis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waring, R.H., Rogers, J.J. and Swank, W.T. (1981). Water relations and hydrologic cycles. In Dynamic Properties of Forest Ecosystems, ed. D.E. Reichle, pp. 205–64. London: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waring, R.H. and Schlesinger, W.H. (1985). Forest Ecosystems. Orlando: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waring, R.H., Schroeder, P.E. and Oren, R. (1982). Application of the pipe model theory to predict canopy leaf area. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 12, 556–60.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whitehead, D., Edwards, W. R. N. and Jarvis, P. G. (1984). Conducting sapwood area, foliage area, and permeability in mature trees of Picea sitchensis and Pinus contorta. Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 14, 940–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whittaker, R.H. and Woodwell, G.M. (1967). Surface area relations of woody plants and forest communities. American Journal of Botany, 54, 931–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whittaker, R.H. and Woodwell, G.M. (1968). Dimension and production relations of trees and shrubs in the Brookhaven Forest, New York. Journal of Ecology, 56, 1–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, C.N. and Biddiscombe, E.F. (1965). Extension growth of grass tillers in the field. Australian Journal of Agricultural Science, 16, 14–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmermann, M.H. (1971). Transport in the xylem. In Trees: Structure and Function, ed. M.H. Zimmermann and C. L. Brown, pp. 169–220. New York: Springer-Verlag.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimmermann, M.H. (1978). Structural requirements for optimal water conduction in tree stems. In Tropical Trees as Living Systems, ed. P.B. Tomlinson and M.H. Zimmermann, pp. 517–32. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. A. D. Friend
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ERL-C, 200 SW 35 Street, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA

    Allen M. Solomon

  2. Department of Environmental Sciences, Clark Hall, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22903, USA

    Herman H. Shugart

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1993 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Friend, A.D. (1993). The Prediction and Physiological Significance of Tree Height. In: Solomon, A.M., Shugart, H.H. (eds) Vegetation Dynamics & Global Change. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2816-6_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-2816-6_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-6217-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4615-2816-6

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation