Variability of leaf morphology from generative and vegetative shoots of Rubus capitulatus and R. kuleszae (Corylifolii section, Rosaceae)

Leaves from generative and vegetative shoots of Rubus capitulatus and R. kuleszae of Corylifolii section were investigated. The study was to demonstrate the variability of leaves of both types of shoots, and at the same time an examination on the contents of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their blades carried out. Selected blade traits, such as was: length, width, elongation, perimeter, dissection index, area, rectangularity and circularity were measured using computer program and statistically analysed. Additionally, fresh and dry leaves were weighed and the percentage of preserved mass of particular samples was calculated. A statistical analysis revealed the area to be the most variable feature in both species and both types of shoots. Leaves from vegetative shoots were the most similar to each other and the length, width, perimeter and area were the most strongly correlated traits to each other. The leaves of generative shoots of both species contained less water than the leaves of vegetative ones.