Leaf toughness assessed on individual trees of species growing in the CSPs in Gutianshan Nature Reserve. For each tree seven leaves were sampled in most cases. Every single value for every leaf is given. Exceptions were made in species with very small leaves (e.g. Loropetalum chinense). Here, we present mean values for every individual from several leaves (indicated in the Column "Individual Sample")

Samples were collected from trees and shrubs in the CSPs of the Gutianshan Nature Reserve with the use of an expandable pruner. Only fully expanded leaves were collected. Seven leaves of the present vegetation period were collected per individual in most of the cases. In some cases, more leaves or, even more seldomly, only 6 leaves could be sampled. The leaves were stored in sealed plastic bags and taken to the lab. On the day of collection these leaves were analysed for leaf tensile strength (i.e. leaf toughness). A segment of the leaves (1-5mm width) was cut out of the specimen, avoiding the midrib and any other major lateral veins. This segment was fixed in two claps of a tearing apparatus (as described in Hendry& Grime, 1993). The mass (in g) needed to rip the segment was recorded using a scale connected to the apparatus. The force was then converted into N/mm as described in Cornellissen et al. (2003).

Comparative Study Plots in the Gutianshan Nature Reserve 29°08'-29°17'N 118°02'-118°11'E

Sampling excursions in 2012

Tree species in the CSPs of the Gutianshan Nature Reserve

Data analysis