Acorn characteristics, seed germination, seedling development, and leaf traits of three oak species from Talamanca, Costa Rica1

Research on three dominant oak species in Costa Rica's Talamanca Range reveals significant interspecific differences in acorn characteristics, seed germination, and seedling traits along an elevation gradient. Quercus costaricensis, found at higher elevations (2,000–3,200 m), produces larger acorns with higher viability and germination rates compared to Quercus salicifolia and Quercus bumelioides. Despite smaller acorn size in the latter species, their seeds are not less prone to germinate. Seedlings of all species exhibit rapid development of leafy crowns and adventitious root systems, facilitating resource acquisition beyond cotyledons. Notably, Q. costaricensis seedlings have smaller, darker, and thicker leaves, though no differences in leaf mass per area were observed among species. These findings underscore the importance of seed size and environmental heterogeneity in niche segregation and species distribution along elevation gradients.

Gutiérrez-Soto, M. V., Meoño-Piedra, S., Guerrero-Barrantes, M., & Rocha, O. J. (2021). Acorn characteristics, seed germination, seedling development, and leaf traits of three oak species from Talamanca, Costa Rica1. The Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society, 148(2). https://doi.org/10.3159/torrey-d-20-00030.1