^*tikadewi_atikah@yahoo.com

Abstract

Morphological adaptation of tree saplings to forest-floor environments was examined in mixed dipterocarp, heath, and peat swamp forests in Kalimantan, Indonesia, in terms of allometric relationships and leaf traits. Saplings (150-310 cm tall) of 45 species, which represent each of forest types, were selected under closed canopy. Results showed that there were marked differences in morphology across forest types. Saplings in mixed dipterocarp forest had thicker trunk and wider crown at the same sapling height than those in peat swamp and heath forests, otherwise saplings of heath forest had slenderer trunk than those of peat swamp forest. Leaves in mixed dipterocarp forest had higher specific leaf area and mass-based nitrogen content than in other forest types. Generalist species showed corresponding plastic change in sapling morphology with forest types. We conclude that saplings show adaptive response to nutritional and light conditions characteristic to forest types.

Key words: allometry, crown, environment, leaf traits, tree, tropical forest.

1445