Hydraulic architecture of deciduous and evergreen dry rainforest tree species from north-eastern Australia

Hydraulic conductivity and xylem anatomy were examined in stems of two evergreen species, Alphitonia excelsa (Fenzal) Benth. and Austromyrtus bidwillii (Benth.) Burret., and two drought-deciduous species, Brachychiton australis (Schott and Endl.) A. Terracc. and Cochlospermum gillivraei Benth., from a seasonally dry rainforest in north Queensland, Australia. The deciduous species possessed hydraulic architecture typical of drought-sensitive plants, i.e. low wood density, wider xylem vessels, higher maximal rates of sapwood specific hydraulic conductivity (K^sub s^) and high vulnerability to drought-induced embolism. In contrast, the evergreen species had lower rates of K^sub h^ and leaf specific conductivity (K^sub L^) but were less susceptible to embolism. The evergreen species experienced leaf water potentials