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Name: David
Status: other
Age: 40s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: 5/22/2003
Question:
What are some of the most specific reasons known, regarding the formation or evolution of leaf shape and structure, for the 'star' shaped leaves such as Sweet Gum, Sugar Maple and Silver Maple? Also; are there any Oak species with that shape or a similar one for the same or similar reasons? And; are these (reasons) noted where oaks and maples grow in the same environment?

Replies:
Probably a number of factors, e.g., physiological adaptations for light reception and photosynthesis. Perhaps helpful:

http://www.shef.ac.uk/aps/apsrtp/thomas/4-0.htm

http://www.arboretum.fullerton.edu/grow/leafadapt.asp

http://www.udel.edu/BLC/Harding/306.pdf

Anthony Brach, Ph.D


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