The importance of being petioled: leaf traits and resource-use strategies in Nuphar lutea

Abstract Intraspecific trait variability (ITV) can be considerably high and reveal plant local adaptation. The aim of this study is to investigate ITV leaf traits (including petioles) in a rooted floating-leaved macrophyte ( Nuphar lutea ) at the scale. We expected see changes resource-use strategies relation water sediment properties. 96 leaves were sampled hyper-eutrophic shallow lake central Italy, together with environmental parameters. Results highlight influence depth sediments modulating conditions thus traits. Leaf area fresh dry weight increased depth, that catches construction costs petioles. negative found between specific petiole conductivity suggests stress imposed by nutrient availability which triggers unfavorable for N. . demonstrated relevance macrophyte. Petiole aerenchyma or photosynthetic extra surfaces fundamentally contribute fit environment, opening new questions functional investigation macrophytes. Excluding petioles assessment reduces possibility understand ecological/adaptive processes nympheids. New data are urgently needed increase number species analyzed.