Towards comprehensive maps of tree structure and function: linking tree architecture, anatomy and physiology

There is a striking diversity of tree architectural and anatomical forms worldwide.

The functional meaning of several conspicuous architectural and anatomical spectra, and their costs and benefits remain obscure.

For example, it is unknown why some tree stems are composed of large portions of living cells while others are mainly built of dead cells. Moreover, we do not understand how architecture and anatomy are coordinated.

Better comprehension of these two types of structural variation is critical because they both govern tree resource acquisition, distribution and usage, as well as mechanical stability. These processes, in turn, affect tree competitive ability and reproductive success.

Ultimately, tree structural strategies shape forest structure and function, and its response to current and future climate.

Our present understanding of tree architecture hinge on theory and models due to a lack of architecture data, but recent advances in terrestrial laser scanning methods allow quick and precise measurements of tree architecture.

Seizing this technological opportunity, treeMAAP will quantify architectural, anatomical and physiological traits to assess how they govern three major functions: water transport, mechanical stability and respiration. 15 diverse tropical tree species will be studied.

TreeMAAP main objectives are: 1) to determine how anatomy and architecture coordinate to achieve a given functional outcome, and 2) to examine how water transport efficiency, mechanical stability and respiration rates trade-off at the local, organ and whole-tree level.

By integrating architecture, anatomy and physiology, treeMAAP will provide entirely new perspective on tree structural diversity and its functional implications.

The new knowledge will advance functional wood anatomy, functional ecology, physiology and vegetation modelling and will likely stimulate fresh and innovative research directions.