Abstract: Exploring inter- and intra-specific variations in leaf N and P contents and their relationship with other community properties is important for revealing community assembly. In this study a plot with size of 40 m×40 m, containing 46 species and 554 individuals, was selected in an evergreen broad-leaved forest (EBLF) in Tiantong region, Zhejiang Province. The N and P contents in foliage of each individual were quantified. The inter- and intra-specific variations in leaf N and P stoichiometry and their relationship with each of community height, individual size and micro-environmental conditions were analyzed. It was found that ① the mean of N and P contents and N/P was (16.7±5.11) mg·g ^-1, (0.44±0.25) mg·g ^-1, and (44.99±23.53) mg·g ^-1, respectively; ② leaf N and P stoichiometry at community level can be accurately estimated by the weighted mean value resulting from the most abundant species; ③ inter-species scale was responsible for the relatively large variance of leaf N contents, while intra-species scale was accounted for the relatively large variation in P content; and ④ leaf N and P increased with increasing plant light exposure. It was concluded that variation in N and P contents is determined by both inter- and intra species differences, but P content is mainly controlled by community environment under P limited conditions.

Key words: leaf N and P contents, inter- and intra-species variations, community structure, EBLF, chemical stoichiometry