Abstract
A detailed morphological study of the leaf epidermis of some species in the genera Bauhinia Linn., Caesalpinia Linn. Daniellia Hutch. & Dalz. and Senna Linn in Nigeria was undertaken in search of useful and stable taxonomic characters. The study reveals several interesting epidermal features some of which are novel in the genera. Leaf epidermal characters such as epidermal cell types, stomata types and the presence of trichomes were constant in some species and variable in others, making them to be of great significance in determining the relationships among and within species. Stomata were amphistomatic in all the species except in Senna alata, Senna siamea and Senna siberiana which are epistomatic. The species showed variability in their stomata length, width, density and index, which was reflected in their taxonomic delimitations. Key words: Taxonomy, Leaf epidermis, Bauhinia, Caesalpinia, Daniellia, Senna.
Highlights
Caesalpinoideae is a large sub-family of about 150 genera with 2200 to 3000 species of flowering plants in the order Fabales (Eddy, 1997)
The genus Senna is native throughout the tropics, with a few species extending into the temperate region
Bauhinia species are commonly found at lowland and medium altitudes in most woodland types and on anthills 150 to 1800 m high; their seeds serve as food and their shoot as vegetables
Summary
Caesalpinoideae is a large sub-family of about 150 genera with 2200 to 3000 species of flowering plants in the order Fabales (Eddy, 1997). The genus Senna is native throughout the tropics, with a few species extending into the temperate region. Some Senna species, especially Senna alata, have been reported to be used in the treatment of skin infections. Shifting taxonomic boundaries mark the history of traditional systematic treatments of Senna. These shifts are best explained by the difficult taxonomic interpretation of morphological variations in Senna. Bauhinia species are commonly found at lowland and medium altitudes in most woodland types and on anthills 150 to 1800 m high; their seeds serve as food and their shoot as vegetables. The roots and leaves of Bauhinia species are used for medicine, fodder, shade, firewood, tannin, fibres and rope; they serve aesthetic purposes (FAO, 1983)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
