Intraspecific Variability of the Sessile Oak ( Quercus petraea Matt. Liebl.) Leaf Traits from the Mount Kosmaj (Serbia)

Abstract

The sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) leaves were analysed using morphometric methods (landmarks, morphological analysis of size and shape) in the Region of outstanding features "Kosmaj" in Serbia. The main goals were to determine the level of intraspecific variability of the sessile oak leaves and to link it to local habitat conditions. The observed differences were correlated to altitude, slope and aspect, obtained by the digital terrain model. This study showed a specific pattern of intraspecific variability of leaf size and shape at a small spatial scale, and the presence of fluctuating asymmetry, length, roundness and lobation differences as a response to local habitat conditions. Additionally, specific allometric patterns were observed. Despite a relatively small sample size compared to the area of occurrence of the sessile oak, this study provided evidence that the variability of the size and shape of this species' leaves is, at least in part, related to environmental factors.