Toward elucidating the mechanisms that regulate heterophylly

Abstract

The leaves of some plant species are able to change their morphology in response to environmental conditions. This phenomenon is termed heterophylly. Various aquatic plants exhibit drastic changes in leaf shape in response to submerged aquatic conditions. Heterophyllic variation ranges from mere modification of leaf width to drastic alteration in the outline of leaves and is interpreted as an adaptation to aquatic habitats. Although this phenomenon is widely observed among angiosperms, there is limited information on the regulation of heterophyllic switch in leaf development. Here, we have reviewed existing knowledge on leaf development and heterophylly and have introduced Neobeckia aquatica as an emerging model to elucidate the mechanisms underlying heterophylly.