Abstract
Comparative studies on macro-morphology, foliar epidermis, stem and petiole anatomy of two indigenous wild cucurbits (Zehneria capillacea and Zehneria scabra) in Nigeria were carried out in order to improve the delimitation of the species based on these parameters. The morphological features of significance observed include variations in leaf and stem pubescence density, leaf shape, fruit shape and color, flower color, seed shape and coat texture. Similarities were observed in their growth habit, shape of foliar epidermal cells, stomatal features and stem anatomy. The two species evaluated have a creeping growth habit, uniseriate eglandular trichomes, anomocytic and tetracytic stomata, pentagonal shaped stem with 8 bicollateral vascular bundles. Glandular 4-celled head trichome and isotricytic stoma were only found in Z. capillacea. The leaves of both species are amphistomatic having adaxial and abaxial stomatal densities of 2.47±0.058 and 13.68±0.021 for Z. capillacea and 3.24±0.125 and 19.72±0.199 for Z. scabra. However, the observed petiolar vascular bundle was 5 in Z. capillacea and 7 in Z. scabra. This distinct number in the petiole provides additional distinguishing information for maintaining them as different species. Key words: Anatomy, bicollateral vascular bundles, stomata, trichome
Highlights
The genus Zehneria Endl. belongs to sub-tribe Cucumerinae of the Benincaseae together with eleven other genera (Jeffrey, 2005) and is presently restricted to those minor cucurbits with small, white or yellow, mostly monoecious flowers
This study was carried out with the aim of comparing the morphological and anatomical features of Z. capillacea and Z. scabra which are two wild cucurbits with little scientific report and to use these characters to improve the delimitation of the species
The summary of the results of this study is presented in Tables 1 – 3 and Figures 1 – 4
Summary
The genus Zehneria Endl. belongs to sub-tribe Cucumerinae of the Benincaseae together with eleven other genera (Jeffrey, 2005) and is presently restricted to those minor cucurbits with small, white or yellow, mostly monoecious flowers. Among Nigerian species of cucurbits, the uses of morphological and anatomical characters in their delimitation have been reported (Okoli 1984; Aguoru and Okoli, 2012; Agbagwa and Ndukwu, 2004; Ndukwu, 1988; Ndukwu and Okoli, 1992; Ajuru and Okoli, 2013). Taxonomic, cytogenetic and ethno-botanical investigations have been conducted on some of these indigenous cucurbits by researchers in the Universities and national research institutes (Okoli, 1984, 1987; Ndukwu, 2000; Ndukwu et al, 2005; Agbagwa, et al, 2007; Agbagwa and Ndukwu 2004) but reports on the anatomical features of Zehneria species is lacking. This study was carried out with the aim of comparing the morphological and anatomical features of Z. capillacea and Z. scabra which are two wild cucurbits with little scientific report and to use these characters to improve the delimitation of the species. The sections were stained in 1% safranin red for two minutes, viewed and micro-photographed using a photomicroscope
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