Morphological variation of leaf traits in theTernstroemia lineataspecies complex (Ericales: Penthaphylacaceae) in response to geographic and climatic variation

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8307
• Publication Date: 2020-01-10T09:09:22Z
• Authors: Othón Alcántara-A...; Ken Oyama; César A. Ríos-Muñoz; Gerardo Rivas; Santiago Ramirez-...; Isolda Luna-Vega
• Keywords: Morphology

Variation in leaf morphology is correlated with environmental variables, such as precipitation, temperature and soil composition. Several studies have pointed out that individual plasticity can largely explain the foliar phenotypic differences observed populations due to climatic change suggested environment plays an important role evolution of plant species by selecting for variation. Thus, study help us identify factors potentially influenced process diversification. In this study, we analyzed morphological variation traits Ternstroemia lineata complex (Penthaphylacaceae) its relation variables across distribution area patterns differentiation within complex. Based on collected leaves 270 individuals from 32 populations, nine using spatial interpolation models multivariate statistics. A principal component analysis identified three main (leaf length two shape variables) were used generate interpolated surface maps detect discrete areas delimited zones rapid values traits. We a mosaic coarse-grain pattern geographical According maps, could define groups their geographic distributions. Longer leaves, spatulate largest located sites lower precipitation higher seasonality following northwest–southeast direction significant latitudinal longitudinal gradients. phenogram relationships based similarity, putative subspecies T. did not show clear differentiation. found some isolated other contiguous differentiated different Further genetic systematic are needed clarify evolutionary