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The size, shape, and quantity of holes in each leaf can vary greatly depending on the species and can even vary greatly within a given species. Perforation is caused by sections of leaf ceasing cell growth or by dying during an early stage in the development of the leaf. These deformations that are
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It is not fully known what evolutionary purpose perforation serves, but there are several possibilities. Perforation could serve the purpose of reducing the variations in growth rate, minimize chances of leaves tearing in high winds or it could help to maximize the amount of rain able to reach the
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plant's roots. It could also help to cool the plant by producing turbulence around the leaf. Another possibility is that perforation is a defense against herbivory. The holes might make the leaf look less enticing to herbivores. This, however, is unlikely in relation to
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created earliest in the leaf development end up looking more like slashes whereas those that develop later end up looking more like holes. This trait is found in only one species in
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Muir, Christopher D. "How Did the Swiss Cheese Plant Get Its Holes?" The
American Naturalist 181.2 (2013): 273-81.
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Bown, Deni (2000). Aroids: Plants of the Arum Family . Timber Press.
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52:(Madagascar laceleaf), and a few genera in
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49:Aponogeton madagascariensis
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20:Perforation seen in
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23:Monstera deliciosa
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139:Plant morphology
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30:Perforate leaves
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108:Further reading
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81:Leaf window
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88:References
35:fenestrate
75:See also
58:Monstera
54:Araceae
134:Leaves
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69:aroids
115:ISBN
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