This research paper investigates the reasons behind the differences in growth found throughout the distribution range of the endemic tree Zelkova abelicea from the island of Crete, Greece. Unbrowsed Z. abelicea individuals from western and central Crete grew on average twice as much in the same given amount of time than individuals from eastern Crete. These growth differences are thought to be caused by differences in seasonal precipitation patterns throughout Crete as well as differences in individual Z. abelicea heights. The results highlight the important role of spring and early summer climatic conditions in conditioning the growth of Z. abelicea individuals.

Understanding the factors influencing the growth of Zelkova abelicea in browsing exclosures 

Fazan L., Remoundou I., Ghosn D., Nikoli T., Pasta S., Garfì G., Kozlowski G. 2022. Understanding the factors influencing the growth of Zelkova abelicea in browsing exclosures. Global Ecology and Conservation 34: e02031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02031