The Role of Leaf Lobation in Elongation Responses to Shade in the Rosette-forming Forb Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae)

摘要

Background and AimsLobed leaves are considered selectively advantageous in conditions of high irradiance. However, most studies have involved woody species, with only a few considering the role of leaf lobation in herbaceous rosette species. In this study, it is hypothesized that, in addition to its adaptive value in high light, leaf lobation may add to the function of petioles as vertical spacers in herbaceous species in conditions of strong competition for light.