Trade-offs between twig and leaf traits of ornamental shrubs grown in shade

Understanding the relationships between twig and leaf traits provides valuable insights into the adaptive strategies of plant species. There are limited studies addressing the shade tolerance of woody species regarding trade-offs between twig and leaf traits. However,there are two contrasting hypotheses regarding the characteristics of shade tolerance; whethershade-tolerant species prefer maximized light interception and low respiration in the shade or are characterized by tough structures because of a reduction in organ turnover and promotion of plant survival. In this study,our objectives were to reveal whether the twigs and leaves of shrubs exerted trade-offs in the shade. Thus,twig dry weight( TDW),leaf dry weight unit twig( LDW),leafing intensity( LN/TDW),specific twig length( TL/TDW),leaf area supporting efficiency( LA/TDW),and individual leaf area( ILA) were measured for 11 shrub species,which have a relatively high ornamental value and limited management under the canopy at the Beijing Forestry Univer