An assimilative organ, a leaf is expected to play an essential role in the demographic performance of plant. However, the linkage between species leaf traits and demographic rates has seldom been detected, possibly due to the large intraspecific variations in leaf traits throughout life stages.

We examined the associations of leaf traits at two different life stages with growth and mortality across 43 tree species in a subtropical rainforest, in northern Taiwan. Four leaf traits (leaf area, specific leaf area, thickness and succulence) were measured for trees at juvenile and adult stages. Relative growth rate (RGR) and mortality were estimated as a function of stem diameter and correlated with leaf traits of juvenile and adult trees at a range of stem diameters.

Correlations between leaf traits and demographic rates varied with stem diameter. Some leaf traits showed different trends between life stages. Leaf traits were more associated with demographic rates at corresponding life stages. These results suggest that the linkage between leaf traits and demographic performance varies with life stage, possibly due to stage-specific determinants.