Quantification of leaf shape with a microcomputer and Fourier transform

Using a microcomputer, digitizing surface, and a Fourier transform, we present an automated, precise, and repeatable method to trace, quantify, and reconstruct the shape of flat leaves and reduce the information to a few coefficients. These coefficients can be analyzed statistically to reconstruct average leaves, to access symmetry, to measure leaf complexity, to develop leaf shape signatures, and to allow shape analysis to proceed independently of surface area. We provide guidelines for determining if leaves have statistically significantly different shapes.