Plagiotropic architectural development of four tree species of the temperate forest

Four tree species of the temperate deciduous forests of south-western Québec have an architectural development that corresponds to Troll's model. Two of these species, American elm (Ulmus americana L.) and American basswood (Tilia americana L.), are mid-successional and the two others, American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) and Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.), are late successional. In the four species, the main stem is the result of the stacking of modules with plagiotropic development and secondary straightening. Nevertheless, the architectural analysis of these four species reveals that two growth patterns are present. In elm and basswood, the modules are differentiated from one another and are integrated into the hierarchical structure of the tree. In beech and hemlock, the modules are mixed and their apical meristems possess an autodifferentiation potential, which provides for a greater individuality within the tree structure. In spite of belonging to the same architectural model, differences in the development pattern favour a greater efficiency in stem growth for elm and basswood versus a greater shape plasticity, including a greater lateral branch development if required, in beech and hemlock.Key words: tree architecture, organization plan, Troll's model, plagiotropy, morphological differentiation of axes.