A Multivariate Approach to Differentiate three Romanian Oak Species: a Case Study

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to highlight the morphological leaf descriptors that differentiate three oak species, namely pedunculate oak, sessile oak, and pubescent oak, by using multivariate analysis (PCA and MANOVA). Fifty oak individuals were sampled for every species and nine morphological traits were assessed. The results of the statistical analysis confirmed the great discriminating power of certain descriptors. Abaxial laminar pubescence and basal shape of the lamina were the variables that separate pedunculate oak individuals from the pair pubescent oak-sessile oak. In conclusion, in order to achieve better separation, other morphological traits should be taken into consideration.