Why do some trees have pointy leaves?

Photo: iStockphoto

Sharp jagged leaves help the tree withstand cold weather in winter.

Dr. Dana Royer, at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, said sharp serrated heads on the leaves store xylem, tissue transporting water and nutrients in sap. Most liquid evaporates through tiny pores on the edge of this serrated tooth.

" In the spring when the tree starts to bloom, the serrated leaves lose more water than the non-pointed leaves. This loss of water will help the plant get more sap from the roots. Saws will have a higher rate of circulating plastics in early spring than round leaves , "said researcher Royer.

" This is extremely important because it provides nutrients for leaves that are starting to grow, helping to promote photosynthesis. In colder climates and shorter growing seasons, it will be very beneficial leaves with serrated leaves ".

The researchers measured transpiration and photosynthesis activity on leaves of 60 species of timber plants in two distinct climates: Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

They found that both photosynthesis and evapotranspiration increased by 45% in pointed leaves during the first 30 days of spring. Non-serrated leaves have no such increase. The scientists also found that native plants in cold climates, such as York County, southern Pennsylvania, are serrated and thrive.

But having jagged teeth is not always an advantage for plants because it also loses many countries. Trees in the dry area seem to live better when the leaves have less jagged or no serrations.

MT