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Natural populations of Rubus hirtus Waldst. & Kit. were studied at three locations along the Gabrovnica river on Stara Planina mountain, to assess the inter-population differences in ecophysiological and ecomorphological parameters. The content of total chlorophyll in leaves, estimated by the SPAD method, as well as leaf width and leaf width/length ratio had the highest values in population A, which inhabits a forest community dominated by hornbeam and sessile oak and grows in vegetative shade. Populations B (which is also located within the forest complex) and C (which is located in a relatively open habitat) had lower values for the examined parameters. Inter-population differences in the examined parameters can be partially interpreted as an adaptation to habitat light conditions (significant differences between individuals from populations A and C). However, the values of parameters in population B cannot be explained by light conditions, indicating the need to consider complex environmental conditions at that site, primarily heavy metal contamination of soil and groundwater. |
