Relations in the Size Variation of Plant Organs: a Case Study of Staghorn Sumac Leaves and Longleaf Pine Cone Scales

Abstract

Plants automatically control the size variations in organs to achieve efficient exploitation of resources. However, it is unclear whether the scaling relationships of plant organs share a similar character for different individuals under varied micro-conditions (e.g., light and soil water). We conducted a case study of the lengths of staghorn sumac leaves and longleaf pine cone scales to test the relationships. Our results indicated that although there were size variations, there existed power laws of frequency in the lengths of staghorn sumac leaves and longleaf pine cone scales. The exponents differed but were positively correlated with the minimum length of leaves or cone scales. Taylor’s Law existed in the lengths of cone scales and some tree leaves, and scale break was observed. This study provides new information on scaling relationships and self-organization in the patterns of tree parts arrangement. Taylor’s Law may be used to detect minor changes in the growth regime.