Variegation

[2] Variegation can be caused by genetic mutations affecting pigment production, or by viral infections such as those resulting from mosaic viruses.

Their appearance is desirable to enthusiasts, and many such plants are propagated and sold as unique cultivars.

[1] However, in individuals where the variegation occurs in normally-photosynthetic cells, the lack of functioning chloroplasts can slow growth rate.

[2] Conversely, naturally-variegated plants derive benefits from their appearance, such as improved photosynthetic efficiency in low-light conditions and herbivore deterrence.

This can happen when an air layer is located just under the epidermis resulting in a white or silvery reflection.

The presence of hairs on leaves, which may be coloured differently from the leaf itself, can also produce variable coloration.

On some plants however, consistent zonal markings occur; such as on some clovers, bromeliads, certain Pelargonium and Oxalis species.

At first, diseased plants were propagated and grown for their mottled foliage, at the risk of infecting other healthy hostas.

Nutrient deficiency symptoms may cause a temporary or variable yellowing in specific zones on the leaf.

[12] By convention, the italicised term 'variegata' as the second part of the Latin binomial name, indicates a species found in the wild with variegation (Aloe variegata).

The much more common, non-italicised, inclusion of 'Variegata' as the third element of a name indicates a variegated cultivar of an unvariegated parent (Aucuba japonica 'Variegata').