Structure and development of stomata on the fruit wall ofCalotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br.

Abstract

The epidermal characters ofCalotropis procera (Ait.) R. Br. fruit have been investigated. Stomata being present only in the outer epidermis of the epicarp, the fruit is called exostomatic. Only the perigenous type of stomata are present on the fruit wall. Stomatal abnormalities like single guard cell, aborted guard cell, contiguous stomata, paired stomata, unequal guard cells, stomatal connection with distinct tube and stomata with large meristemoid are observed. Inner epidermis shows a ‘parquetry pattern’ of its cells. The outer epidermis is hairy but the inner epidermis is atrichomal and nonstomatiferous. The cuticle is thick, with numerous striations.