Oxalis Genus: plasticity of form (single taxon)

Oxalis luteola [attached observation]

Thicker and more stout conjunction of rootstock and basal leaf buds
Underground tuber somewhat wedged under the packed stones in hard ground
Pillose hairs on leaf underside, with scatterings on margin (UV diffusion from sunlight stones?)
= Adapted for stability and midday sun exposure in shallow, stony soil. No abnormal length in flowering stem

Oxalis luteola [not posted]

seen growing in marshier habitat, with seasonally waterlogged soil and amongst lush vegetation of uniform height
No telling adaptation with conjunction of stem and leaf bases, no longer truly basal but held aloft with longer petioles
No visible hairs on leaf underside
No seeming difference with tuber orientation, but tubers slightly smaller?
= Adapted to compete with densely growing, higher canopy vegetation for consistent pollinator attraction and associated dispersal - flowering stem >30cm long!

Q: What causes this plasticity in a single species? Moisture saturation of seedlings and length of said exposure? Light/shade differences in growing environment for newly sprouted seedling?
Q: How did this species or greater taxon (Oxalis) come to be so adaptable to very different growing conditions?
Perhaps other associated neo-endemic species with maximum genetic vitality displaying similar plasticity?

Posted on July 11, 2024 12:31 AM by