Tree age did not affect the leaf anatomical structure or ultrastructure of Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae)

PeerJ

article

Qianyi Zhou¹  Zhaohong Jiang²  Xin Zhang¹  Qing Lai¹  Yiming Li¹  Fei Zhao³  Zhong Zhao¹ 

[1] Key Comprehensive Laboratory of Forestry, College of Forestry, Northwest Agricultural and Forestry University;College of Life Science, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University;Beijing Agricultural Technology Extension Station

关键词: Ancient tree;    Platycladus orientalis;    Anatomical structure;    Ultrastructure;    Chloroplast;    Mitochondria;    Tree aging;    Tree age;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.7938

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Tree aging is a new research area and has attracted research interest in recent years. Trees show extraordinary longevity; Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae) has a lifespan of thousands of years. Ancient trees are precious historical heritage and scientific research materials. However, tree aging and tree senescence have different definitions and are poorly understood. Since leaves are the most sensitive organ of a tree, we studied the structural response of leaves to tree age. Experiments investigating the leaf morphological structure, anatomical structure and ultrastructure were conducted in healthy P. orientalis2,000 years, 200 years < middle-aged trees <500 years, young trees <50 years) at the world’s largest planted pure forest in the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, Shaanxi Province, China. Interestingly, tree age did not significantly impact leaf cellular structure. Ancient P. orientalis trees in forests older than 2,000 years still have very strong vitality, and their leaves still maintained a perfect anatomical structure and ultrastructure. Our observations provide new evidence for the unique pattern of tree aging, especially healthy aging. Understanding the relationships between leaf structure and tree age will enhance the understanding of tree aging.

【 授权许可】

CC BY