Allometric relationships of tropical trees along a successional gradient

Key message The allometric relationships of tropical trees change along ontogeny and ecological succession at the level of populations and communities. Abstract Tree size and shape can influence their survival and growth, affecting the community dynamics. In this study, we explored how the tree allometric relationship is altered along in the succession of a tropical forest. We measure stem diameter (SD), total height (H), crown volume (CV) of juvenile, and adult trees in areas of 7–17, 20–30, 35–55, and > 80 years of Atlantic Forest in Brazil. The study was carried out for the community (all individuals were considered) and population (the most abundant species). We tested allometric relationships between H, SD and CV with the standardized major axis function. The results indicate that, in general, successional gradient establishes conditions that affect the way resources are invested in trees, despite variations among the type of allometric relationship, the ontogenetic phase, the successional stage and species considered. There are tendencies in individuals becoming taller, and proportionally, with crowns less voluminous along the succession. Variations in height, stem diameter and crown investment along the successional gradient suggest that shade tolerance is the main driver affecting the ontogenetic niche and shaping tree allometry. These results suggest that the successional age and the ontogeny of the individuals affect plant dynamics, and possibly, the coexistence of the species.