Evidence contrary to the existence of storage lipid in leaves of plants inhabiting cold climates

Abstract In a study of the lipid composition of the upland Empetrum nigrum subspp. hermaphroditum and Empetrum nigrum subspp. nigrum with a lowland distribution, no evidence was found to support the suggestion that lipids (triacylglycerols) play a major energy storage role in the leaves of alpine species. On a quantitative basis the triacylglycerols constituted less than 5% of the total lipid in both species and the lowland species possessed the higher levels of total lipid, neutral lipid and triacylglycerols. It is suggested that the presence of a well-developed waxy cuticle might account for the high total lipid levels encountered in dwarf evergreen shrubs.