Differences in leaf thermoregulation and water use strategies between three co-occurring Atlantic forest tree species

Abstract

<jats:p>In the first study of leaf energy balance in tropical montane forests, we observed current leaf temperature patterns in the Atlantic forest, Brazil, and assessed whether and why patterns may vary among species. We found large leaf‐to‐air temperature differences that were influenced strongly by radiation and differences in leaf temperature between 2 species due to variation in leaf width and stomatal conductance. We highlight the importance of leaf functional traits for leaf thermoregulation and also note that the high radiation levels that occur in montane forests may exacerbate the threat from increasing air temperatures.</jats:p>