Simple Beta Distribution Representation of Leaf Orientation in Vegetation Canopies1

Abstract It is shown that a two‐parameter beta distribution represents very well the leaf angle distribution for a variety of vegetation canopies. Comparison to theoretical distributions as well as field data suggests that this distribution be considered as a candidate for a “universal” leaf angle distribution. The parameters of the distribution can then be used to identify and classify intermediate canopy types and possibly to quantify canopy changes caused by environmental stress.