Annual growth rings of the shrub Anarthrophyllum rigidum across Patagonia: Interannual variations and relationships with climate

Annual growth rings are well-defined in some shrubby species distributed along the Patagonian steppe and provide useful information to identify the environmental factors that influence the radial growth of shrubs in the region. However, little is known about variations in ring width from these species and their relationships with local environment. In this paper we present 18 growth ring width chronologies covering the last 2–3 decades from the shrub Anarthrophyllum rigidum (Fabaceae) encompassing most of its natural range of distribution in Argentina. Interannual variations in growth were first analyzed collectively to identify common regional patterns. In addition, shrub growth at each site was compared with local climate records and site-specific characteristics. Based on a principal component analysis (PCA), sites were joined in four major groups related to the site proximity to the Andes (foothills versus Patagonian plateau) and latitude (north versus south Patagonia). The relatively similar percentage of PCA variance associated with each group reflects environmental differences among sites. Consistent with this observation, we noted large variability in the responses of the A. rigidum woody growth to regional climatic fluctuations. At most sites, this species is favored by abundant winter precipitation, warmer spring and autumn temperatures (controlling the duration of the growing season), cool summers, or a combination of these factors. However, deviations from these patterns are also recorded. Our study represents the first large-scale dendroclimatological analysis of a shrubby species in southern South America. The results presented here provide information on the main patterns and factors affecting the growth of A. rigidum in Patagonia, and may be useful for determining well-suited practices for management and conservation of this ubiquitous species.     

Water relations and hydraulic architecture of two Patagonian steppe shrubs: Effect of slope orientation and microclimate

On a local scale, topography influences microclimate, vegetation structure and the morpho-physiological attributes of plants. We studied the effects of microclimatic differences between NE- and SW-facing slopes on the water relations and hydraulic properties of two dominant shrubs of the Patagonian steppe in Argentina (Retanilla patagonica and Colliguaja integerrima). The NE-facing slope had higher irradiance and air saturation deficits and lower soil water availability and wind speed than the SW-facing slope. Predawn and midday Ψ_L and osmotic potentials were significantly lower in shrubs on the NE-facing slope. Osmotic adjustment and more elastic cell walls helped the plants to cope with a more xeric environment on NE-facing slope. Higher water deficits on NE-facing slope were partially compensated by a higher leaf and stem water storage. While stem hydraulic efficiency did not vary between slopes, leaf hydraulic conductance was between 40% and 300% higher on the NE-facing slope. Changes observed in leaf size and in SLA were consistent with responses to mechanical forces of wind (smaller and scleromorphic leaves on SW-facing slope). Morpho-physiological adjustments observed at a short spatial scale allow maintenance of midday Ψ_L above the turgor loss point and demonstrate that leaves are more responsive to microclimatic selective pressures than stems.