Heteroblastic Development in the Water Hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes Solms.

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Abstract
The 1st leaves produced by a water hyacinth seedling are linear-lanceolate, whereas adult foliage leaves are laminate-petiolate. Between these 2 extreme leaf types is a series of a transitional forms. When development of linear and transitional leaf types is compared, change in leaf shape results from an earlier elaboration of form, the onset of new directions of growth in early development, and a delay in leaf maturation in successive leaves. The relationship of heteroblastic seedling development to changes in leaf form along an axillary branch is discussed. The significance of increased size and complexity during vascular plant ontogeny is considered in relation to heteroblastic development.