Variegation

This article is about variegation in botany. For histology, see Variegation (histology).
Cryptocarya williwilliana showing leaf venation and variegated leaves.

Variegation is the appearance of differently coloured zones in the foliage, flowers, and sometimes the stems and fruit of plants, granting a speckled, striped, or patchy appearance. The colors of the patches themselves vary from a slightly lighter shade of the natural coloration to yellow, to white, or other colors entirely such as red and pink.[1] This is caused by varying levels and types of pigment, such as chlorophyll in leaves.[2] Variegation can be caused by genetic mutations affecting pigment production, or by viral infections such as those resulting from mosaic viruses.[3] Many plants are also naturally variegated, such as Goeppertia insignis. Most of these are herbaceous or climbing plants, and are most often species native to tropical rainforests.[4]

Many species which are normally non-variegated are known to display variegation. Their appearance is desirable to enthusiasts, and many such plants are propagated and sold as unique cultivars.[1] However, in individuals where the variegation occurs in normally-photosynthetic cells, the lack of functioning chloroplasts can slow growth rate.[2] Conversely, naturally-variegated plants derive benefits from their appearance, such as improved photosynthetic efficiency in low-light conditions and herbivore deterrence.[5][6]

The term is also sometimes used to refer to colour zonation in minerals and the integument of animals.

  1. ^ a b Zhang, Jian-Hang; Zeng, Jin-Chu; Wang, Xiao-Mei; Chen, Shui-Fei; Albach, Dirk C.; Li, Hong-Qing (2020-11-01). "A revised classification of leaf variegation types". Flora. 272: 151703. Bibcode:2020FMDFE.27251703Z. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2020.151703. ISSN 0367-2530.
  2. ^ a b "Variegated Leaves". UCLA College. Archived from the original on 2016-06-15. Retrieved 9 July 2016.
  3. ^ Valverde, Rodrigo A.; Sabanadzovic, Sead; Hammond, John (May 2012). "Viruses that Enhance the Aesthetics of Some Ornamental Plants: Beauty or Beast?". Plant Disease. 96 (5): 600–611. doi:10.1094/PDIS-11-11-0928-FE. ISSN 0191-2917. PMID 30727518.
  4. ^ Burtt, B. L. (1977). "Notes on the Rain-Forest Herbs" (PDF). Gardens' Bulletin, Singapore. 29: 73–80.
  5. ^ Campitelli, Brandon E.; Stehlik, Ivana; Stinchcombe, John R. (March 2008). "Leaf variegation is associated with reduced herbivore damage in Hydrophyllum virginianum". Botany. 86 (3): 306–313. doi:10.1139/B07-139. ISSN 1916-2790.
  6. ^ Givnish, T. J. (1990). "Leaf Mottling: Relation to Growth Form and Leaf Phenology and Possible Role as Camouflage". Functional Ecology. 4 (4): 463–474. Bibcode:1990FuEco...4..463G. doi:10.2307/2389314. ISSN 0269-8463. JSTOR 2389314.