THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT ENVIRONMENT ON HERBIVORY AND GROWTH IN THE DIOECIOUS SHRUB LINDERA-BENZOIN (LAURACEAE)

Measurements of total leaf area, herbivory, number of herbivores, and growth on male, female and vegetative individuals of the dioecious shrub Lindera benzoin were made in different light environments. Herbivore abundance did not differ across habitat types and sexual morphs. Herbivory was greater in shade habitats than in sun habitats, and vegetative plants suffered greater herbivory than did flowering males or females which did not differ in the amount of leaf material eaten. Branch growth rates were higher in the sun than in the shade, and females grew less than male or vegetative plants. Because allocation to defense, growth and leaf characteristics are likely to be confounded, rates of herbivory may not always be predicted based on growth rate or gender alone.