Testing the morphotype-based classification of two leaf shapes in Ecclinusa guianensis (Sapotaceae) from Central Amazonia

Ecclinusa guianensis (Sapotaceae, Chrysophylloideae) is a morpho-ecologically variable species and the second most widespread species of Ecclinusa in the Amazon basin. In Central Amazonia, two distinct leaf morphotypes can be field-recognized based on diagnostic morphology: elliptic-obovate and narrow-oblanceolate shapes. In this paper, we have explored the phenotypic differentiation between these two morphotypes of E. guianensis from Central Amazonia using morphometrics and near-infrared spectroscopy data. The results indicate the existence of two distinct groups that are sympatric. However, the narrow-oblanceolate leaf shape (subcanopy treelets or medium-sized trees) has never been collected with reproductive material, reinforcing the idea that it is a young phase of the elliptic-obovate leaf shape (large canopy trees). Therefore, we presume that Ecclinusa guianensis morphotypes probably correspond to a single species exhibiting phenotypic plasticity.