Table 2.

Phenological events recorded in this study. All shrubs in each treatment plot (nebkha) were considered and counted.

Leaf unfolding	Onset of leaf unfolding	At least one bud in each nebkha has at least one leaf completely out of the bud, first leaves visible, but not yet at full size.
	30% of leaves unfolded	30% of buds in each nebkha have their leaves out, fully expanded.
	50% of leaves unfolded	50% of buds in each nebkha have their leaves out, fully expanded.
	End of leaf unfolding	More than 90% of buds in each nebkha have their leaves out, fully expanded.
Cessation of new branch elongation	30% of new branches ceased elongating	30% of new branches in each nebkha have their terminal withered and cease elongating
	50% of new branches ceased elongating	50% of the new branches in each nebkha have their terminal withered and cease elongating
	90% of new branches ceased elongating	Over 90% of the new branches in each nebkha have their terminal end withered and ceased elongating
Leaf coloration	80% of leaves turned yellow	Over 80% of the leaves in each nebkha show yellow color.