Insights into the Differences in Leaf Functional Traits of Three Varieties of Osmanthus fragrans with Different Flower Colors

Leaf functional traits are adaptations that facilitate plants to grow in a wide range of environmental conditions. This study aims to gain insights into the differences in leaf functional traits of three varieties of Osmanthus fragrans with different flower colors (i.e., O. fragrans var. thunbergii, O. fragrans var. latifolius, and O. fragrans var. aurantiacus). Leaf length, leaf width, and single-leaf wet and dry weights decreased significantly in the following order: O. fragrans var. thunbergii, O. fragrans var. latifolius, and O. fragrans var. aurantiacus. Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus was also significantly higher than those of O. fragrans var. thunbergii and O. fragrans var. latifolius. This finding indicates that leaf construction cost of O. fragrans var. aurantiacus was significantly lower than those of O. fragrans var. thunbergii and O. fragrans var. latifolius to pay an utmost effort to increase light capture and use efficiency because of its low leaf size. Thus, one of the reasons causing the difference in flower colors of the three varieties of O. fragrans may be the difference in leaf functional traits among the three varieties of O. fragrans because most (or even all) of the compounds which form different colors in flower originates the leaves function (i.e. photosynthesis) and difference in leaf functional traits can trigger pronounced effects on the absorption and utilization of light as well the metabolic components.