VARIATION IN LEAF PHENOTYPIC TRAITS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES OF FIVE RHODODENDRON SPECIES IN THE SEJILA MOUNTAIN

Leaf phenotypic traits reflect a plant's adaptability to the environment and its resource acquisition strategies.This study hypothesizes that there are significant differences in leaf traits among different Rhododendron species, with varying adaptive strategies.Using five Rhododendron species from the Sejila Mountain as study subjects, nine leaf phenotypic traits were measured and analyzed through correlation and principal component analyses.The results show significant differences in leaf traits among the five species, with the RWW species exhibiting larger trait variation coefficients, and the PGL trait having a significantly higher variation coefficient than other traits.RNH, RNR, and RBH lean toward the "slow investment-benefit" strategy, while RAB and RWW are closer to the "fast investment-return" strategy.These findings reveal differences in resource acquisition strategies among high-altitude Rhododendron species, providing valuable insights into plant adaptation to complex environments.