Studies in Stomata of Ginger, Turmeric and Mango Ginger

Abstract

Summary Ontogeny, structure and histochemistry of stomata in Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger), Curcuma domestica V alet . (turmeric) and C. amada R oxb . (mango ginger) belonging to the family Zingiberaceae have been described. Diperigenous, tetraperigenous and anisocytic stomata are present. Abnormalities like a stoma with a single guard cell and a degenerated stomatal cell are rare. Division of lateral subsidiary cells is observed in all the three species. Calcium oxylate crystals are present in the guard cells and subsidiary cells of mature leaves. A special type of polar wall thickening in the stomata is observed. The presence of lipid bodies as an aid in the identification of subsidiary cells is also indicated.