Abstract
The epidermal characteristics of five selected Melastoma L. species in Fraser Hill, Pahang that belongs to Melastomataceae family had been investigated. These five species namely M. muticum Ridl., M. decemfidum Roxb., M. perakense Ridl., M. sanguineum x malabathricum and M. malabathricum var. normale. The objective of this study is to determine whether epidermal characteristics in Melastoma could be taxonomic value in systematic and diagnostic investigations. Methods of the investigation involved epidermal peel and scanning electron microscopy. Results obtained revealed that the presence of hypostomatic stomata and guard cells pairs were elliptic in shaped for all species studied. Apart, the pattern of anticlinal walls on adaxial and abaxial surfaces was straight to wavy for all species studied except for wavy to sinuous anticlinal walls on abaxial surface of M. sanguineum x malabathricum. Furthermore, two types of stomata were observed among species studied such as anomocytic and diacytic stomata. Results showed that diacytic type was only present in M. sanguineum x malabathricum therefore could be a criterion to diagnose the species. Lastly, this present study was also reported on the presence of two types of guard cell pairs such as raised or slightly raised and sunken guard cell pairs. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the anticlinal walls and stomata patterning possess as taxonomic importance in identification and classification of Melastoma either at genus or species level.
Highlights
Melastomataceae is one of the largest families in flowering plants which distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world (Ong and Yong, 2007)
The present study based upon the anticlinal walls and stomata patterning hereby are reported to be useful in taxa delineation of Melastoma
The abaxial surface of this species showed wavy to sinuous anticlinal walls which possibly considered as a diagnostic character for the species
Summary
Melastomataceae is one of the largest families in flowering plants which distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world (Ong and Yong, 2007). This family has been distributed throughout the wet tropics in montane to lowland areas, savannas and disturbed vegetation (Heywood, 2007). The genus of Melastoma consists of various flower colors that vary from violet to purple, pinkish purple to mauve, pink and white colors (Nirmal et al, 2013). It has stated that Melastoma are mostly composed of purple or pinkish purple flowers while those with mauve or pink flowers commonly distributed in the highland areas. The pharmaceutical industries are more focusing on the medicinal plants because of the increased in awareness and interest of public and scientific community on the
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