Lamina shape variability in species of the genus Ficus L. in different ecological conditions

The morphological variability of the leaf apparatus in response to different levels of light is determined not only by the available solar irradiance, but also by a complex of preadaptations to some other environmental factors. Data on the influences of climatic characteristics for natural ranges on manifested differences in leaves of light and shadow allocations remain insufficient. This paper investigates the differences in lamina shapes among fifteen species of the genus Ficus L. Relationships between the determined plasticity and climatic conditions of the native habitats of species have been ascertained. Positive dependences on the annual cycle amplitude and amount of precipitation, as well as temperature seasonality, have been revealed.