An increase (percentage dry weight) in both lignin and cellulose (with a greater proportion of cellulose
than lignin being formed) is associated with a decrease in the concentration of phosphorus (and of other
related elements) per unit dry weight in the leaves of sunlit overstorey species, of both sclerophyll and
savannah communities in the mediterranean climate of southern Australia. Simultaneously, crude protein
decreases. Leaves become increasingly sclerophyllous (with a higher Sclerophyll Index), with lower
crude protein (cytoplasm) per unit dry weight; thicker leaves with lower leaf specific area result.
The degree of sclerophylly per unit foliar phosphorus content is a little higher in understorey species
which are partially shaded by the overstorey canopy.