Variações Morfológicas estratégicas e adaptativas de Aldina heterophylla sprulce Ex benth em Campinaranas da Amazônia central

Abstract

This research focused on analyzing the morphological variations of Aldina heterophylla Spruce ex Benth. (Fabaceae), focusing on leaf phenotypic plasticity in Amazonian campinarana environments. The study was conducted in the state of Amazonas, in two campinarana phytophysiognomies: a shrubby campinarana (CEPLAC area) and a forested campinarana (UFAM campus), both in Manaus, Amazonas. The main objective was to evaluate variations in leaf morphological traits under different light conditions (full sun and shade), using leaf thickness, leaf area, and leaflet area as indicators. Ten leaves were collected from each of the sampled individuals in both campinaranas: five leaves from the canopy (in full sun) and five from below the canopy where there is less light (in shade). The study design was observational and comparative, with collections of five adult individuals per environment/lighting condition. The methodology included morphological measurements and statistical analyses using two-way ANOVA and the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. The results indicated that leaf thickness was greater in samples from the forested campinarana, especially under shade, while leaflet area was 51% larger in the shrubby campinarana, under greater sunlight. Total leaf area varied significantly depending on the collection site, suggesting the influence of soil and climate factors. The interaction between environment and phytophysiognomy also affected leaf morphological patterns. Discussion highlights that the species exhibits high phenotypic plasticity, adapting its morphology in response to light. Finally, we conclude that A. heterophylla can be used in conservation and reforestation strategies in Amazonian ecosystems, especially in campinaranas, given its morphological responsiveness to environmental variations. The study contributes to the understanding of the adaptation of Amazonian plant species and reinforces the importance of conserving endemic and ecologically fragile habitats.