Leaf morphological variation among paper birch ( Betula papyrifera Marsh.) genotypes across Canada

摘要: Variations in leaf morphological characteristics have been extensively studied at both interand intraspecific levels although not explicitly on paper birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh). Paper populations might have considerable genotypic and morphological variations that allowed them to inhabit wide environmental gradients. In this study, we analyzed variations 23 paper birch collected across Canada grown a greenhouse. Furthermore, we examined whether the morphological characteristics observed were related climate of population’s origin. We found significant differences all characteristics (p five principal components (PC) explaining 84.74% total variance in original data. PCs accumulated with specific area, petiole leaf width positively latitudinal, longitudinal, elevational gradients at population’s origin. Unpredictably, these significantly negatively correlated precipitation aridity index Thus, if correlations within had supported populations to acclimate produce unpredictable relations environment origin. Our results showed originated limited (during growing season) large width and petiole size but low hairs on adaxial surface. morphological features provide basis for reduce water loss from leaves balance water use efficiency reduced precipitation. Furthermore, characteristics measured may also include phenotypic plasticity as an acclimation