Leaf shape modulates climate trait relationships in the wild species Chenopodium hircinum (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Rodriguez, J., Quipildor, V., Giamminola, E., Bramardi, S., Jarvis, D., Maughan, J., Xu, J., Farooq, H., Ortega-Baes, P., Jellen, E., Tester, M., Bertero, D., Curti, R. N.
The study examined natural variation in leaf shape and linked functional-physiological traits of Chenopodium hircinum grown in a common garden, finding that leaf morphology correlates with the climate of population origin while functional traits associate directly with leaf shape. Landmark-based morphometric analysis identified a shape axis (deeply lobed versus rounded) linked to leaf mass per area and stomatal conductance, indicating morphology mediates a resource-use continuum and highlighting the importance of phenotypic plasticity for ecological adaptation.