PLANT SIZE AND FORM IN THE UNDERSTORY PALM GENUS GEONOMA: ARE SPECIES VARIATIONS ON A THEME?

摘要: This study addressed the hypothesis that phylogenetic changes in plant size at reproductive maturity may have facilitated adaptive radiation of Geonoma species within rain forest understory habitats. Leaf size, leaf form, and growth form were compared among 23 from lowland montane areas Costa Rica Colombia. was significantly correlated with crown height 18 21 examined, stem diameter 17 species. In characterized by a gradual ontogenetic transition bifid to dissected leaves, shoots leaves smaller than respect rachis length, number plications, diameter. Among species, below explained 74% variation (rachis length). Crown positively clustered but not solitary or all combined. dissection leaves; Solitary had larger diameters same heights. Morphological patterns generally followed withinspecies trends. These suggest are variants on generic theme: complexity increase height. forms appear be morphologically convergent; each these architectural groups, theme still applies. Evolutionary however, clearly involved other factors addition