Leaves in winter – marcescence
by Chris, 10 February, 2017, 2 comments
At some point during the months of Autumn, the leaves have done their job (that of making sugars to be used in growth, the formation of new twigs and branches, forming fruits and seeds). However, winter is not good for photosynthesis or growth; winds, low temperatures and low light intensities adversely affect a tree’s ability to make sugars. Indeed, if the leaves were retained throughout the winter, they might be regarded as a liability as they would use the the tree’s reserves (that were stored away in the Spring and Summer). Plus, leaves would offer greater resistance to the wind and the tree would be more likely to suffer damage. High winds are always more dangerous to a tree when it is in full leaf. Read more...
