The development of seasonal tree water deficit in Callitris intratropica

Abstract

The tropical conifer Callitris intratropica (Cupressaceae) produces clear annual growth ring s, and has been shown to be potentially useful for understanding past climate variability in northern Australia. A s climate patterns in this region become less predictable, an understanding of plant responses to different weather patterns is of importance. In this paper, we examine tree water relations using a parameter here called tree water deficit (ΔD), determined from de-trended stem size variability in densely grown ('grove') and isolated trees. This parameter provides an integrated measure of the trees' response to water supply and demand under constantly changing environmental conditions. The..