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| This picture was sent to me but I think it was borrowed from this blog,https://earthshinenaturewatch.blogspot.com/2015/08/polymorphic-leaves.html |
A.Academically these are called polymorphic leaves, two different shapes of leaves growing on the same plant. Plants are much more variable than animals. Here is a good example.
You can read an at academic treatment about Polymorphism by following the link here.
The word polymorphism is a common concept in biology. The term polymorphic is applied to animals as well as plants when there are different forms of the same animal or plant part. So in the case of polymorphism in trees we use the term “polymorphic leaves”, or “polymorphic flowers” for instance because these are found on the same plant. Polymorphic leaves are very common on mulberries where this photo is from but it can also be found in the East Coast of the United States on Sassafras.
It can be applied to biochemicals and the term also used in genetics.
https://www.actahort.org/books/1173/1173_9.htm
We can only guess why there are different forms of leaves in mulberry. In some herbs, polymorphism is thought to be related to soil moisture content.
http://forestandrange.org/new_wetlands/plant_adaptations_polymorphic.htm
In Red and white mulberries, some people think it has to do with access to light were full leaves are produced in the early and leaves with lobes or cuts in them are produced later in the sunlight above shade leaves. It is thought that this is an evolutionary adaptation that allows more light to reach the lower leaves. Of course these are just guesses about why plants do the things they do. Otherwise, just enjoy their diversity.
So if you want to sound educated and knowledgeable throw around the term “polymorphic” so people will be impressed.