New Discovery about Tree Leaves

Trees Do Their Best Work with Thermostats at 70 : NPR:

"Seventy degrees is a lovely, comfortable temperature for most people. And the same turns out to be true for all sorts of tree species. In fact, scientists have found that trees actually have tricks they use to keep their leaves close to that perfect temperature."

Scientists found that leaves do the most photosynthesis at 70˚F, regardless of species or where they are growing.

To maintain the right temperature they can

• wilt when too hot (less surface area that can capture light)
• 'sweat' through stomata (can cool 20˚ from outside temp)
• clump leaves together to save heat (pine needles)