One-Year Phenology of Leaf Gas Exchange Dynamics in Coccocypselum lanceolatum

Coccocypselum lanceolatum is a tropical, perennial, creeping, herbaceous C3 plant species that is found in deeply shaded humid forests. This species has potential for medicinal and culinary uses. Knowledge about this species and other herbaceous Rubiaceae is confined to phytocoenological and morpho-anatomical studies. Here, it was hypothesized that (1) leaf gas exchange dynamics over a one-year period in C. lanceolatum are related to light conditions, phenology and environmental seasonal changes; (2) photosynthetic performance is focused on enhanced carbon gains through a high leaf net assimilation rate (Anet) relative to light availability, a low dark respiration rate (Rd) and a light compensation point (LCP); and (3) these parameters will vary over leaf age. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), characterizing the growth and development of C. lanceolatum, was reduced to 4–11% of incoming light in the open area, while the red-to-far-red light ratio (R:FR) was reduced from 1.15 to mean diurnal values of 0.45–0.81, depending on forest canopy dynamics. Leaf gas exchange parameters [Anet, stomatal conductance (gs), leaf transpiration (E), and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE)] were observed over a one-year period. Anet, gs, and E were correlated with energy factors (PPFD and air temperature) during vegetative growth, while only iWUE showed a correlation with leaf gas exchange parameters during blooming and fruiting, indicating that seasonality and phenology were additional drivers of leaf gas exchange. As a deep-shade forest species, C. lanceolatum displayed low iWUE (3–21 μmol m−2 s−1) and was adapted to maximize carbon gain and prioritize high gs rather than water economy. The extremely low LCP (4.2 μmol m−2 s−1), low Rd (0.2 to 0.43 μmol m−2 s−1), maximum net photosynthesis (Amax, 5 μmol m−2 s−1), and apparent quantum efficiency of CO2 assimilation (Φ of 0.04 µmol µmol−1) were adaptational traits of this species for low light. Finally, the Anet, gs, E, iWUE, gross photosynthesis under light saturation, Rd, LCP, and light saturation point values were different when comparing young and adult leaves. The ecophysiological responses over a one-year period shown here could assist in the success of C. lanceolatum as a sustainable soil-cover plant in shaded areas.