Fig. 2

A, B Samples taken within the tree’s architecture. In some individuals, such as that presented in A, we collected one main branch that provided access to the height growth of the tree in B. After retrospectively describing the branch and identifying the limits to successive sympodial growth units (SGUs; alternately coloured in gray, black or with stripes for visual effect), we sampled one disc of wood in the middle of each SGU (arrows in B). SGUs with stripes were bearing leaves when indicated with t. In the particular case of felled trees, we also sampled one disc of wood every 2 m from the base of the trunk to the remaining parts of the crown (arrows in A)