Leaf Epidermal Features in 14 Species of Vernonia.

C., Nwakanma N.M.; O., Adekoya K.; .B., Ka.diri A.; O., Oboh B.

doi:10.21608/eajbsh.2018.22722

Leaf Epidermal Features in 14 Species of Vernonia.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ -Department of Biological Science, School of Science, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. -Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria.

² Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria

³ Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos, Nigeria

10.21608/eajbsh.2018.22722

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the leaf epidermal micro-morphology in some Vernonia species in Nigeria. .In–situ morphological characterization was carried out on 61 field samples consisting of 14 Vernonia species collected from Nigeria. Light microscopic studies of the foliar epidermal micro-morphology were undertaken on the 14 Vernonia species from field collections with a view to elucidating the taxonomic significance of the epidermal features. The characters were analyzed to determine the variations which may be useful in species identification. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of epidermal characteristics revealed diagnostic features such as anomocytic stomatal type found on amphistomatic and hypostomatic leaves. Mean stomata index ranged from 1.06 % - 22.22 % in the genus. The epidermal cell shape was mostly polygonal or sinuous on both surfaces or polygonal or sinuous on either surface. Anticlinal wall pattern was straight or undulate on both surfaces or straight/curved or undulate on either surface, as well as wavy or undulate on either surface. Multicellular and other trichomes which manifested various geometrical forms were also observed.

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