Work

Leaf stoichiometric characteristics and responses of sea-buckthorn (Hippophae L.) involved in its niche-driven species distribution patterns across China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: The stoichiometric characteristics of leaves can indicate the nutrient limitations and ecological strategies of closely related plants. Sea-buckthorn is a unique species in China with economic and ecological value, yet nutrient limitations and environmental adaptation strategies in its main distribution areas remain unclear. Methods: ). Results: Our results reveal that the overall nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of Sea-buckthorn leaves of are respectively 32.19 ± 4.96mg·g-1, and 2.03 ± mg·g-1 with an N/P ratio of 16.68 ± 4.01. Leaf N concentration significantly increased, with increasing longitude, and latitude. Leaf P concentration significantly increased, with the change of longitude. Among the three sea-buckthorn species, the N concentration of Chinese sea-buckthorn and Coastal sea-buckthorn exhibited increase significantly with latitude, whereas the N concentration of Tibetan sea-buckthorn showed significant variation with longitude. Through standardised major axis (SMA) regression, an allometric relationship was observed between the N and P concentrations across sea-buckthorn species. Notably, the N and P concentrations of Tibetan sea-buckthorn exhibited significant allometric relationship. Potential evapotranspiration and altitude were identified as the primary factors influencing N concentration, while slope and humidity index were the main drivers affecting P concentration. Additionally, average annual radiation and precipitation were found to influence the N/P ratio. The leaf stoichiometry of sea-buckthorn species revealed distinct adaptation mechanisms to their respective habitats, leading to niche-driven species distribution patterns along environmental gradients. Tibetan sea-buckthorn served as a transitional zone between the other two species. Discussion: Therefore, this study can provide basic data for the stoichiometric characteristics of sea-buckthorn leaves and the distribution pattern of species substitution, with provides a new ecological perspective on the relationship between species distribution and plant stoichiometric characteristics.

Source: Frontiers in Plant Science

DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1537643

Authors: Hongmei Zhang, Xiaowei Li, Junlong Yang, Shuang Yu, Jun Yang, Wenqiang Wang

Institution: Ningxia University

Language: English

Topic: Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies

Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801