Decoding Leaf Mimicry: Analysis of Boquila trifoliolata Leaf Morphology
Authors
Rodriguez, Kevin
Kim, Jisoo
Lehmann, Virginia
Congleton, Keegan
Dada, Glory
Mutavu, Eglesiana
Brooks, Charles
Issue Date
2025-04-25
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Scholarship Sewanee 2025 , University of the South, leaf morphology, mimicry,
image processing, morphometrics, Boquila trifoliolata,convex hull analysis
Alternative Title
Abstract
Preliminary observations suggested that Boquila trifoliolata leaves can adopt specific variations from physical proximity to neighboring plants with distinct characteristics. Morphological mimicry in B. trifoliolata was previously described by other researchers, but the qualitative nature of these descriptions is susceptible to potential observer biases. Thus, systematic quantification of this morphological mimicry remains under-explored. We hypothesize that if mimicry is occurring, it should be reflected in measurable shifts in overall leaf shape, lobe number, size, and position. In this work, we monitor the development of morphological variations in leaves through systematic recording and quantification of leaf shape parameters after exposure to model plants. To test this, leaves were imaged, and automated image processing was implemented to identify shape parameters that vary from the original (B. trifoliolata) to the models (neighbors) to the mimics (the resultant new morphs). We applied convex hull analysis to estimate defect length and depth, using contour points distal to the convex hull. This allowed for precise measurement of lobe location, depth, and quantity within defined parameters. This approach minimizes subjective interpretation and allows for precise comparisons between B. trifoliolata leaves, their neighboring models, and their mimicked morphs.
Description
Citation
Publisher
University of the South