Table 1 gives normal ranges (~10th and ~90th percentiles) for species growing in the field, for well-illuminated leaves.
[17] This is a logical observation, as a relative decrease in surface area would mean that there would be fewer ways for water to be lost.
Species with typically low specific leaf area values are geared for the conservation of acquired resources, due to their large dry matter content, high concentrations of cell walls and secondary metabolites, and high leaf and root longevity.
[19] Other research has shown increasing specific leaf area values in plants under water limitation.
An example of increasing specific leaf area values as a result of drought stress is the birch tree species.
[20] Birch tree specific leaf area values significantly increased after two dry seasons, though the authors did note that, in typical cases, lowered specific leaf area values are seen as an adaptation to drought stress.