ABSTRACT
Understory species are adapted to shade condition imposed by the canopy. This study characterized, by means of leaf attributes, the strategies used by different species of understory. The study was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the University of the Region of Joinville, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Seven shade species were selected. Of each species, five individuals were selected and 25 leaves were collected for morphological and anatomical analysis and chlorophyll content. The incident light intensity on each specimen was measured. The results confirmed the high degree of shading in understory plants. The ratio chlorophyll a/b was >1 and therefore contrary to expected. Statistical tests showed the existence of patterns of response to shading, morphologically characterized by fresh weight, leaf area, length and width of the blade and leaf specific area and, anatomically, the thickness of the spongy parenchyma. The convergence of these attributes is associated with greater use of light that reaches the understory.
Keywords:
leaf traits; light; rain forest; understory
