Leaf morphological variation in Podocarpus parlatorei Pilger (Podocarpaceae), according to spacial position of the leaves

Abstract

In this paper the foliar morphology of leaves of P. parlatorei in its natural habitat has been studied. Leaves of four locations in the crown: North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W) have been examined, as well as leaves of three locations at the top: up (Arr.), center (C) and down (Ab.). Eleven parameters have been determined, such as: lenght and leaf area, dry weight and specific leaf area. Thickness of cuticles, leaf blade, and epidermis were studied at an anatomical level, as well as stomatal lenght and density. Morphological differences according to the orientation of leaves has been showed by statistical analysis including a ?multivariate analysis? (?discriminant analysis?). According to the results leaves can be divided into four groups. One of them comprising leaves of S, N and W locations and the other ones comprising leaves of A, D and C groups. Morphological parameters which justify the last divisions are: lenght and area of leaves ?stomatal lenght and density? leaf and cuticle thickness. The results, with valuable ecological and systematic implications were discussed in term of the radiation interception and canopy structure of P. parlatorei.