The relationship of the vertical distribution of Japanese conifers to the maltol contents in their leaves

Summary Of 35 species of coniferous trees in Japan, only 4 species, found at subalpine zone, contain maltol in their leaves. Their leaves are also characteristic for their high content of sugar which protects the plants against freezing. It is interesting from the viewpoint of plant ecology that only the above 4 species contain high amounts of sugars and maltol in their leaves because maltol is biosynthesized from sugars.