Overview
- A peer-reviewed paper published July 2 reports that very tall dipterocarp trees in Borneo were not more hydraulically impaired by drought than shorter conspecifics.
- The team sampled 38 trees across five dipterocarp species, ranging about 7.7 to 71 meters tall, and measured 25 traits linked to water transport.
- Researchers used climbers and pre-dawn instrument work to sample leaves, branches and trunks at multiple heights so they could capture trees at peak hydration.
- The study found two main compensations in taller trees: wider basal xylem (the water-carrying vessels) and higher leaves that tolerate greater dehydration before wilting.
- Authors say the findings suggest dipterocarp forests may retain carbon storage through drought but stress that results are family-specific and need testing across other tree groups and regions.