Abstract Branch shape is a relevant tree morphological trait, representative of tree ontogenetic stage, successional status and resource-use strategy. However, branch-level studies have been limited due to tedious, time-consuming or costly measurement procedures. Here we applied a cost-efficient, quantitative framework for tree branch shape data collection and statistical evaluation, applied to young open-grown Carya laciniosa , an ecologically valuable but rare large-seeded deciduous tree species. After accounting for branch size and orientation, we fitted different polynomial models to photogrammetric points of 41 major branch axes belonging to four arboretum-grown leaf-off C. laciniosa trees, ranging from 6.1 to 8.7 m in height. Parametric branch shape was identified with great precision by the fourth-order polynomials (R 2 = 0.96 ± 0.07 SD), but also acceptably by the third-order polynomials (R 2 = 0.93 ± 0.13 SD). The shape parameters were weakly related to branch position within the crown (R 2 < 0.40), in contrast to branch size (R 2 = 0.73). The identified S-shaped branch type may be termed plagio-orthotropic, with the proximal part arching plagiotropically and the distal part ascending orthotropically. This type of shape was stable across canopy height strata, but the shape variation and the magnitude of branch curvature clearly decreased towards the upper canopy layers, revealing combined effects of branch age, gravitropism and bending strains induced by the seasonal loads. Our results corroborate the architectural similarity among the mid-successional Carya spp. This study highlights the relevance of branch shape, which can be feasibly recorded in terms of transferable parameters, possibly as a generic functional trait with a potential for quantification of ecosystem services, such as rainfall interception and retention, shading potential, thermal regulation and biodiversity support.
Kedra et al. (Fri,) studied this question.