In this study we examine leaf traits of 11 woody shrubs and eight herbaceous species in Florida scrub ecosystem. Aims of our study are to test if the patterns of correlation between leaf traits such as leaf longevity, Specific Leaf Mass (SLM), and photosynthetic capacity are parallel to the global leaf traits relationship and 2) if species show variation among habitats differing in nutrient status and or depth to water table.

Results/Conclusions

1) Conforming to the global patterns, leaf longevity and SLM were significantly correlated (r² = 0.28, P < 0.05). The needle leaved Ceratiola ericoides (Florida Rosemary) was an outlier with SLM significantly greater while leaf longevity comparable to five dominant oak species. Leaf longevity was a stronger predictor of Amax (r² = 0.36, P < 0.01,B = -0.027) than the SLM (r² = 0.23, P < 0.05, B = -87.02). Bulk nutrient concentration (total N and P) showed a significant negative correlation with SLM, while soil moisture content and depth to water table did not show a correlation with SLM.