Tree age did not affect the leaf anatomical structure or ultrastructure of Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae)

Abstract

Tree aging is a new research area and has attracted research interest in recent years. Trees show extraordinary longevity; Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae) has a lifespan of thousands of years. Ancient trees are precious historical heritage and scientific research materials. However, tree aging and tree senescence have different definitions and are poorly understood. Since leaves are the most sensitive organ of a tree, we studied the structural response of leaves to tree age. Experiments investigating the leaf morphological structure, anatomical structure and ultrastructure were conducted in healthy P. orientalis at three different ages (ancient trees >2,000 years, 200 years < middle-aged trees <500 years, young trees <50 years) at the world’s largest planted pure forest in the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor, Shaanxi Province, China. Interestingly, tree age did not significantly impact leaf cellular structure. Ancient P. orientalis trees in forests older than 2,000 years still have very strong vitality, and their leaves still maintained a perfect anatomical structure and ultrastructure. Our observations provide new evidence for the unique pattern of tree aging, especially healthy aging. Understanding the relationships between leaf structure and tree age will enhance the understanding of tree aging.

Comparative Anatomical Study of Leaves in Five Cupressaceae Gray. Taxa in Kurdistan Region - Iraq

“…(Figures 1.E, 6.F). The obtained results in this study relating to the type and distribution of anatomical features (epiderm, hypoderm, vascular bundle) correspond to previous anatomical studies (Hamidpour et al, 2011;HU and YAO, 1981;Koçyiğit and Tümer, 2017;Yao and Hu, 1982;Zhou et al, 2019).…”

Genetic Diversity and Population Genetic Structure of Ancient Platycladus orientalis L. (Cupressaceae) in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River by Chloroplast Microsatellite Markers

“…Their results demonstrated that the loss of old spruce trees will cause a decrease in genetic variability in the Norway spruce population within the exceptionally valuable Białowieża Primeval Forest. The ancient trees of P. orientalis growing in the middle reaches of the Yellow River are precious plant genetic resources as well as important symbols and products of thousands of years of history and culture in China [8]. Prior studies have noted the importance of habitat loss and fragmentation as two of the greatest threats to the loss of diversity of P. orientalis [44,45].…”

“…Due to its long lifespan, beautiful trunk, sacred status and important economic value, P. orientalis has been planted in gardens, temples and the vicinity of mausoleums since ancient times [7]. It is the most widely planted cemetery tree species in China [8]. The age of P. orientalis can reach hundreds or even thousands of years [9].…”