SEM-imaging-based mapping of monofractal and multifractal patterns of the Piper krukoffii Yunck leaf surface architecture

Abstract

We employed Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate the monofractal and multifractal characteristics of the leaf architecture of Amazon Piper krukoffii Yunck plant. By examining morphological features of the leaves using SEM imaging, we observed pentagonal to polygonal epidermal walls with fine tuberculate relief and characteristic cells over both leaf surfaces. Our Minkowski functionals analysis showed that the adaxial surface of the leaf had greater percolative behavior compared to the abaxial surface. Using monofractal analysis, we found that the adaxial side exhibited higher spatial complexity (FD = 1.6), more percolative features (FS = 0.228), and higher spatial homogeneity (β = 0.297). Although both sides of the leaf exhibited highly multifractal behavior, the abaxial surface showed a decrease in the trend of interval between heights (Δf = 0.583). These results demonstrate that the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of Piper krukoffii have a similar multifractality, but the abaxial side has less variability in vertical complexity, consistent with our monofractal analysis. Our findings prove that the spatial complexity of leaves is strongly related to their growth dynamics and can play a crucial role in the overall health, pest control, and evolutionary achievements.