Adaptation and taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics of selected Ipomoea L. species

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the taxonomic value of leaf anatomical characteristics and to determine the anatomical features that enabled the species to adapt to different environmental conditions. Methodology: Three methods were applied for leaf anatomy observation: sectioning using a sliding microtome, leaf clearing and epidermal peels. Results: The findings showed some common anatomical characteristics shared in all species studied, such as incomplete leaf venation, the presence of trichome and schlerenchyma cells, and the presence of mucilaginous idioblast cells in the petiole and midrib. Straight-to-sinuous anticlinal cell walls, amphistomatic leaves, and three types of stomata: parasitic, anomocytic and staurocytic were on the abaxial side of leaf lamina in this study. Peltate and capitate glandular trichome, as well as simple trichome, were all present in the petiole, midrib and lamina. However, peltate glandular trichome were only found in the root of I. triloba. Druses were observed in all species, except I. batatas. Interpretation: Leaf anatomical characteristics possess taxonomic value, especially in species differentiation and identification, that can be subsequently useful in explaining plant's adaptation to their environment.