Stomatal Structure in Symphyotrichum Nees Species as an Additional Index of Invasiveness

A high relative transpiration area (RTA) in Symphyotrichum Nees species correlates with their invasiveness, suggesting that this trait could serve as a predictive index for alien plant expansion. The study analyzed 21 morphometric characteristics of the stomatal apparatus in eleven Symphyotrichum species from Padua's Botanical Garden, categorizing them into three groups based on RTA values: high (S. novae-angliae, S. novi-belgii, and S. × salignum), medium (S. lateriflorum, S. ciliolatum, S. laeve, S. × versicolor, and S. puniceum), and low (S. chilense, S. cordifolium, and S. tradescantii). The findings build on previous research linking RTA to invasiveness in the genus Solidago, proposing that high RTA species may exhibit greater adaptability and potential for range expansion.

Vinogradova, Yu. K., Grygorieva, O. V., & Vergun, E. N. (2021). Stomatal Structure in Symphyotrichum Nees Species as an Additional Index of Invasiveness. Russian Journal of Biological Invasions, 12(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1134/s2075111721010136