Dry matter allocation in treeline trees

Here we present data from the first systematic study of dry matter allocati on in treeline trees in response to elevation. We excavated 23-year old tre es across a 140 m elevational transect at the central alpine treeline of Sw itzerland. Results show equal (Larch) or heigher investments (Pines) in lea ves at the upper compared to the lower end of the transect. Total biomass d oes not, but tree height does decline with elevation, which is explained by increasing branch/stem ratio. These data do not suggest an increased burde n of the C-balance of trees near treeline by a greater non-assimilating tis sue fraction.