Adaptations of morphology, anatomy and phytochemical composition of leaves of Stratiotes aloides L. emergent forms

Abstract Interdisciplinary research was carried out on the impact of climate on the diversity and morphology of Stratiotes aloides L. emergent forms’ phenotype in various latitudes. The objectives of the research were: 1. to determine whether the climate influences the diversity of emergent forms, 2. to determine the diversity of morphological and anatomical traits and chemical composition of S. aloides specimens in Poland and Russia, 3. to examine the content of, and determine the correlation between phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins in S. aloides. The research demonstrated the substantial diversity of 13 morpho-anatomical traits, and 5 phytochemical traits, both between regions, and individual habitats. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) demonstrated different correlation patterns for the analysed substances between regions characterised by different temperature ranges. S.aloides shows substantial abilities to adapt in terms of structure and physiology to the aquatic environment in various climate zones.