Leaf Adaptation of Eurya japonica Thunb. (Pentaphylacaceae) in Coastal Area

Abstract

To clarify the process of plant adaptation to coastal areas, we conducted morphological and anatomical analyses of Eurya japonica Thunb. (Pentaphylacaceae). There was no significant difference in leaf shape between the inland and coastal populations, although the leaves in coastal populations tended to be thicker. However, our anatomical analysis revealed significant differences in stomatal size and adaxial and abaxial epidermal cell sizes. The smaller stomata of the coastal population of this species were effective in reducing transpiration during gas exchange. Furthermore, the expansion of epidermal cells could be an adaptive strategy to retain water in leaves in coastal environments.