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. 2021 Nov 2;73(4):1176–1189. doi: 10.1093/jxb/erab479

Fig. 5.

Fig. 5.

An integrated view on water shedding in the greater ecological context. Leaves are multifunctional organs that need to balance photosynthesis, hydration, nutrient demand, and temperature control with resistance to mechanical stress, herbivores, and pathogens. Water shedding is further influenced by the source of leaf surface water (different types of rain, throughfall, drip water from other leaves, mist, and condensation), the position of the leaf on the plant and within the surrounding vegetation, the biomechanical properties of the entire plant, and additional weather factors such as wind. Water shed from leaves in turn impacts other leaves further down, or can cause splash erosion and nutrient loss upon impact on the soil.