1. Eucalyptus is one of the most cultivated genera globally. Conversion of native forests into Eucalyptus spp. monocultures leads to species‐specific changes in the quality of the litter that contributes to the structure and function of allochthonous‐based aquatic systems.
2. We used a microcosm approach to compare the relative importance of structural and chemical leaf trait variability among congeneric exotic Eucalyptus species (E. camaldulensis, E. globulus, E. grandis, and E. nitens) and two Portuguese native species—alder (Alnus glutinosa) and oak (Quercus robur)—on microbial‐mediated decomposition and invertebrate shredder (Trichoptera: Sericostoma vittatum) consumption.
3. Structural leaf traits, rather than chemical characteristics, appeared to be the main determinants of leaf‐processing dynamics. Differences between the exotic species were mainly determined by the persistence (E. globulus, E. grandis, and E. nitens) or detachment (E. camaldulensis) of the cuticular barrier soon after immersion. Detachment favoured an earlier and higher level of fungal colonisation, as well as a higher mass loss.
4. Sericostoma vittatum exhibited higher consumption rates when fed by the nitrogen‐rich and softer alder leaves, E. camaldulensis, and oak. Consistently lower consumption rates were observed in the other three Eucalyptus species (64–77% lower than E. camaldulensis). Leaf litter from these species was colonised by a lower number of fungal species and was dominated by Flagellospora curta.
5. Results suggest that streams adjacent to E. camaldulensis monocultures receive a continuous supply of easily degradable organic matter throughout the year. The potential effect of subsidies from this species in alleviating the general negative impacts of Eucalyptus plantations on native bordered aquatic systems remains to be evaluated.

中文翻译：

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桉树 叶片性状决定真菌和无脊椎动物对凋落物的加工

1. 桉树是全球栽培最多的属之一。将原生森林转化为桉树。单养会导致凋落物质量因物种而异，从而改变基于异源的水生系统的结构和功能。
2. 我们使用微观方法比较了同类外来桉树（E. camaldulensis，E。globulus，E。grandis和E. nitens）与两个葡萄牙本土物种-der木（Alnus glutinosa）之间结构和化学叶片性状变异的相对重要性）和橡树（栎）（Quercus robur）—食用微生物介导的分解和无脊椎动物切碎机（毛鳞翅目：Sericostoma vittatum）。
3. 叶的结构特征而不是化学特征似乎是叶加工动力学的主要决定因素。外来物种之间的差异主要由浸泡后不久的表皮屏障的持久性（E. globulus，E。grandis和E. nitens）或脱离（E. camaldulensis）决定。分离有利于真菌定植较早和更高水平，以及更高的质量损失。
4. 当饲喂富含氮且较软的al木，卡氏杜鹃和橡树时，Sericostoma vittatum的食用率更高。在其他三种桉树中，观察到的食用率始终较低（比卡马尔杜拉E. camaldulensis低64-77％）。这些物种的凋落物被较少数量的真菌物种所殖民，并以鞭毛鞭毛藻占主导。
5. 结果表明，一年中与Camaldulensis单一栽培种相邻的溪流持续供应易于降解的有机物。该物种补贴在减轻桉树人工林对当地有缘水生系统的总体负面影响方面的潜在效果仍有待评估。