Regression models for leaf area estimation
of Brazilian species of the genus Tillandsia L.
(Bromeliaceae)
The objective of this study was to calculate
adequate regression equations for estimation of leaf
area of Tillandsia spp. native from Brazil. Leaf length
along the central vein (C), maximum leaf width (L) and
real leaf area were measured from at least 100 leaves
for each species. Leaves were maintained intact at the
plants. Relationships between the real leaf area and leaf
dimensions C, L and CL (leaf length x leaf maximum
width) were calculated with regression models. The
linear regression model with intercept was the most
adequate, and the recommended equations for each
species, being LA= estimated leaf area, were: Tillandsia
carminea, LA= 0,281188 + 0,562219 CL (R2= 0,7296);Tillandsia dura, LA= 0,891231 + 0,412457 CL (R2=
0,8432); Tillandsia gardneri, LA= 2,54412 + 0,445525
CL (R2= 0,8662); Tillandsia geminiflora, LA= 0,674484
+ 0,444418 CL (R2= 0,8474); Tillandsia globosa, LA=
1,9494 + 0,3804 CL (R2= 0,8178); Tillandsia grazielae,
LA= 0,518512 + 0,530259 CL (R2= 0,7608); Tillandsia
kautskyi, LA= 0,59338 + 0,374353 CL (R2= 0,6931);Tillandsia reclinata, LA= 0,0379111 + 0,641623 CL
(R2= 0,9169); Tillandsia stricta, LA= 0,3937 + 0,4277
C (R2= 0,8661), or LA= 1,21336 + 0,385727 CL (R2=
0,8607); Tillandsia tenuifolia, LA= 0,991226 + 0,402221
CL (R2= 0,7523).