Leaf Area Estimation of Cenostigma pyramidale: A Native Brazilian Caatinga Species

Abstract

Global climatic changes are shifting, leading to increased temperatures and unpredictable rainfall changes. Tropical biomes, including the Caatinga in Northeast Brazil, face the risk of aridification. The Caatinga, covering 10.7% of Brazil, is an area that is highly susceptible to desertification, with a projected 5°C temperature rise. The region’s unique biodiversity faces threats from human activities, including deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Cenostigma pyramidale is a Brazilian native species, very common in the Caatinga ecosystem. The plant is vital for its adaptability to dry season and seasonality and presents a potential for use in reforestation programs. However, it also faces challenges like deforestation and habitat fragmentation. This study aims to estimate the leaf area of C. pyramidale using nondestructive and cost‐effective methods. The proposed model, based on leaf length and width, provides reliable and accurate leaf area (LA) estimates. Then, this study recommends the equation LA = 0.746 × (LW)0.979 as the best for estimating leaf area due to its high accuracy and biological consistency. The equation LA = 0.725 × (LW) is recommended as a simpler equation because the linear equation is easier to do mainly in land cases or in more extensive experiments. The equation LA = 0.645 × (L)1.652 eliminates 50% of the allometric process because only one leaf dimension is used to estimate leaf area. The leaf area estimation model provides a practical tool for researchers studying plant physiology and agronomic decision‐making. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on species distribution, especially in vulnerable regions like the Caatinga.