# Why would minor leaf shape differences evolve between closely related tree species?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-minor-leaf-shape-differences-evolve-between-closely-related-tree-species/801538>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 13, 2017, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-minor-leaf-shape-differences-evolve-between-closely-related-tree-species/801538 "2017-11-13T18:09:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2017, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-minor-leaf-shape-differences-evolve-between-closely-related-tree-species/801538/21 "2017-11-17T07:32:50Z")

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> [@Algernon](#):
>
> Interesting. I did not know there were examples of leaf shapes that change as the tree matures.

Eucalyptus commonly does this - leaves of many species are typically rounded and fleshy on a young plant (or on fresh growth) - whereas the leaves of mature specimens or older wood, are typically long, pointed and tough

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