Symmetry with the Pinus mugo turra -: An ecological approach

The study focuses on two aspects of the symmetry in plants. The first one concerns the morphology of pine leaves, which could be, from the point of view of symmetry, left (L), right (D) and symmetrical (S). The second one concerns phyllotaxis, perceived as an arrangement of structures. Subject of analysis are the changes in the stereomorphism of leaves, occurring in population of Pinus mugo in relation to the changes in altitude and solar activity. The results revealed that these changes express cyclical patterns. Also, some characteristics of the phyllotaxis in twigs of P. mugo were analyzed in relation to the changes in ecological conditions in different years and altitudes. The changes in the phyllotaxis express cyclical patterns too. It is concluded that the changes in the stereomorphism of leaves and in the structure of phyllotaxis in P. mugo are ecologically determined.