Figure 2

Plasticity mechanisms that tend to equalize the competition pressure from the tree neighbours. The curves represent potential crown profiles, or more generally, shading potential or competitive strength (influence function). Dashed lines join neighbour contact points. (a) No plasticity. (b) Leaning. (c) Differential branch growth. A combination of these mechanisms can be expected, in addition to a redistribution of foliage density. Produced with Asymptote (http://asymptote.org) using a=1.5 in Eq. (1).