Leaf Polymorphism in the Seedlings of Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston an Endangered Species

Abstract

The seedlings developed through the germination studies in Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston were showing different polymorphic leaves. 4-5% of the total saplings developed from same seed samples collected from single plant were shows distinct phenotypic leaf variabilities. Leaf shape is one of the most variable plant traits, which varies from round form to lanceolate to leanear. There are five forms of distinct variable leaves were observed in the case of S. caryophyllatum seedlings. Thus, identification of vegetative materials was difficult and often there is taxonomic confusion.