Leaf Epidermal Characters Research Articles

Reinstatement of Acalypha fallax Mull. Arg. and description of A. brittoi sp. nov. based on micromorphological and molecular characters

In 1865, Müller Argoviensis proposed Acalypha fallax based on specimens from Peninsula Indiae orientalis, which is now considered synonymous with A. lanceolata Willd. A recent study conducted in Tamil Nadu, India, from 2019 to 2022 thoroughly examined Acalypha species using multiple criteria: leaf epidermal characteristics, seed morphology, pollen features observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and sequencing of the ITS, rbcL and matK spacer regions. This work identified distinctions between A. fallax and A. lanceolata, such as longer peduncles, obovate bracts in male flowers, and stems with two types of trichomes: strigose and hirsute. Moreover, the study proposed a new species, A. brittoi, which is described here as distinguishable from A. fallax by its larger leaf blades with 13–14‐toothed margins (compared to smaller blades with 8–9‐toothed margins in A. fallax), and by the ovate perianth of its male flowers (versus orbicular perianth in A. fallax). Unique patterns of leaf epidermal crystals and granules on seed surfaces further aided in distinguishing A. fallax from A. brittoi. Molecular analysis additionally confirmed genetic differences among these three species.

Re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax (Apiaceae) and its conservation status

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic identity of Angelica fallax H. Boissieu (Apiaceae), a species endemic to Jejudo Island is presented. A. fallax has mostly been treated as a synonym of A. polymorpha Maxim. or sometimes as neither a species nor a synonym in Korea. A. fallax should be considered a species distinct from A. polymorpha based on a detailed re-examination of the original morphological description of the type materials. It is clearly distinguishable from A. polymorpha due to its recurved rachides, obsolete calyx teeth, four or five conspicuous bractlets, slightly zygomorphic peripheral flowers, and mericarps bearing thick primary ribs with an inflated base. Especially, A. fallax has larger mericarps than A. polymorpha; the mericarps do not overlap with each other in size. Furthermore, the two species showed significant differences in leaf and mericarp epidermal characteristics, including the arrangement and shape of epidermal cells and cuticular ornamentation. The morphological differences strongly suggest that the two species are taxonomically distinct. Thus, it is recommended that A. fallax be resurrected from the synonymy of A. polymorpha. A full description, illustrations, color photographs, taxonomic note, ecology, phenology of the species, and an identification key for all Korean species of Angelica are provided. Additionally, listing A. fallax as Vulnerable (VU D2) on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List is recommended.

Taxonomic significance of leaf epidermal features for identification of some Ficus species

Taxonomic significance of leaf epidermal features for identification of some Ficus species

Foliar epidermal micromorphology of genus Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) by using light and electron microscopy

The present study was conducted to compare both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of foliar epidermal micromorphology on some members of Glochidion in Assam. As taxonomic attributes, the foliar epidermal micromorphology study of nine taxa of both abaxial and adaxial surfaces was performed by using light microscopy (LM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The result showed both amphistomatic and hypostomatic types of leaf surfaces. On the same surface of the leaf, multiple types of stomata were observed such as anomocytic, anisocytic, hemiparacytic, and paracytic types. Significant diversity and variations were observed in stomatal number, size, area, epidermal cell number, subsidiary cells, and trichomes. The stomatal index, stomatal shape, epidermal cell shape, length and width of the stomata, and trichomes showed variation among the studied taxa. Glands were absent in all studied members. Papillae and epicuticular wax crystals were observed in some taxa. In addition, a taxonomic key was also provided based on foliar leaf epidermal characteristics using qualitative and quantitative data from LM and FESEM. Based on quantitative data of foliar leaf micromorphology, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were carried out to authenticate the micromorphological data. These would aid in the identification of taxa as well as in taxonomic delimitation.

Leaf micromorphology in Rosaceae tribe Spiraeeae (subfamily Amygdaloideae) and its systematic and ecological implications

Abstract We conducted a comparative micromorphological study on the leaves of all nine genera of the Rosaceae tribe Spiraeeae, including the monotypic Korean genus Pentactina. Spiraeeae possess amphistomatic and hypostomatic leaves. Leaf epidermal characteristics varied with the morphology of stomatal complexes, epidermal cells, trichomes, and epicuticular waxes. Specific leaf epidermal features may be systematically relevant for identifying lower taxonomic levels, genera, and/or species. For example, papillate epidermal cell types were consistently observed in Spiraea sect. Calospira. Hirtellous trichomes are diagnostic characteristics of the genera Holodiscus and Kelseya among this tribe. Short-stalked capitate glandular and crispate villous trichomes were only observed in Holodiscus microphyllus and Spiraea douglasii, respectively. We also confirmed that leaf epidermal characteristics strongly support the independent taxonomic position of the Korean endemic Pentactina and the transfer from Physocarpus to Spiraea of Physocarpus insularis. Moreover, we identified xeromorphic features in the studied taxa and inferred their ecological functions, such as water repellence and anti-transpirant activities. This study presents new perspectives for future research on character evolution and xeromorphic adaptation on the basis of leaf epidermal characteristics.

LEAF MICROMORPHOLOGY IN GENUS Alpinia (ZINGIBERACEAE)

Leaf epidermal characteristics are essential for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of many plants. Among the family Zingiberaceae, Alpinia is recorded as the largest genus. This study aimed to identify the leaf micromorphological characteristics of the genus Alpinia that can be used in species identification as supportive data in classification and also to determine the taxonomic value of their micromorphological characteristics. In fact, the genus Alpinia has been studied less in Malaysia and requires more supporting data for species identification. Hence, a study has been conducted on eight species of Alpinia, which are Alpinia assimilis, A. javanica, A. ligulata, A. malaccensis, A. mutica, A. pahangensis, A. petiolata, and A. rafflesiana. Characters such as epidermal cell shape, trichomes, and stomatal type and distribution were observed. The result from this study suggests that all the species studied are amphistomatic, which means the stomata are present in both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaf. All the stomas in the species studied are tetracytic. However, trichomes on the leaf surface can only be discovered in A. assimilis, A. malaccensis, A. rafflesiana, and A. pahangensis. Notably, all the trichomes possessed simple and unicellular types. In conclusion, studies on leaf micromorphology in the genus Alpinia have taxonomic significance and can be used in species identification and classification, especially at the species level.

Taxonomic implications of leaf morphology and epidermal anatomy for 14 species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from Xinjiang, China

BackgroundLeaf morphology and epidermal characters are important for phylogenetic and taxonomic studies of many plants, but there is currently insufficient data to use them to help distinguish species of Gagea, which is a taxonomically difficult genus mainly due to polyploidy and hybridization. Therefore, leaf morphology and epidermal characters of Gagea were studied to assess the characters that can be used to elucidate the taxonomy and systematics of 14 species of Gagea collected in Xinjiang, China. Using light microscopy (LM), six qualitative and three quantitative leaf epidermal anatomical characters were examined for both the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was employed to reveal the similarities based on leaf morphology and epidermal characters of the investigated species.ResultsBasal leaf of these species can be terete or flat, and it is triangle, flat, or circular in transverse section. Anticlinal wall patterns of the leaf epidermal cells were straight and sinuous, and only three species had epidermal hairs. Shape of long cells varies, ranging from quadrangular to irregular. HCA revealed that the 14 species could be divided into two groups. Group A was arranged into three subgroups (A1, A2 and A3), based on the Euclidean distance of 6.96. Subgroup A1 consisted of three species with indumentum; subgroup A2 had four species with sinuous type anticlinal walls; and subgroup A3 comprised of two species with a fistulose basal leaf. Group B included five species with short cells.ConclusionsLeaf morphology and epidermal characters did not differ significantly among populations of the same species in Gagea, whereas they differ significantly among species. Thus, leaf morphology and epidermal characters provide diagnostic information for differentiating G. nigra and G. filiformis; G. altaica, G. jensii and G. alberti, which are morphologically similar species.

Taxonomic implications of leaf epidermal characteristics in subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae)

This paper deals with the foliar epidermal anatomy of 25 species belonging to 14 genera (i.e., Bauhinia, Caesalpinia, Cassia, Delonix, Guilandina, Hardwickia, Libidibia, Lysiphyllum, Parkinsonia, Peltophorum, Phanera, Saraca, Senna and Tamarindus) of subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) using light microscopy (LM). The target species were collected from different regions (Terai Region, Gangetic Plain, Vindhyan Region and Semiarid region) of Uttar Pradesh, India. Several leaf micromorphological characters such as anticlinal wall pattern, epidermal cells shape, stomatal complex andtrichomes were assessed in the present study. Both quantitatively and qualitativelystudy revealed that species understudy mostly consisted of polygonal epidermal cells with straight anticlinal walls, were amphi stomatic with paracytic stomata, non-glandular and unicellular trichomes. An attempt was also made to establish phylogenetic relationships in members of Caealpinioideae growing in Uttar Pradesh on the basis of these characters.

Leaves and megasporophylls of Cycadophytes from the Lower Cretaceous of Beishan area, Gansu Province, Northwest China, and their evolutionary significance

Cycadophytes comprise ancient lineages of seed plants, and include Cycadales and Bennettitales. In this study, Phasmatocycas mazongshanensis sp. nov., represented by megasporophylls, is reported from the Lower Cretaceous of the Beishan area in Gansu Province, Northwest China. Based on the strip-shaped megasporophylls and ovules in two symmetrical rows, Phasmatocycas mazongshanensis is supposed to be closely related to Paleozoic primitive Cycadales. In addition, fossil leaves Pterophyllum beishanensis sp. nov. and Nilssoniopteris binggouensis are studied on leaf morphological and epidermal features. Syndetocheilic stomatal apparatus, thickened guard cells and curved anticlinal walls, all three features were observed on the epidermis, indicating that the leaves should be assigned to Bennettitales. The female reproductive organs of cycadophytes can be classified into four lineages: Phasmatocycas mode, Williamsonia mode, Cycas mode, and Zamia mode. Moreover, Phasmatocycas mazongshanensis is considered to be the lastest fossil record of Paleozoic-grade Cycadales. The reproduction of Phasmatocycas has previously been restricted to the Permian, but the new species, Phasmatocycas mazongshanensis, have been discovered from the Lower Cretaceous demonstrating its resurgence after a long absence from the stratigraphic record.

Taxonomic Value of Leaf Epidermal Characters of the Genera Rosa L. and Rubus L. (Rosaceae) in Iraq

In this study, the leaf epidermal characters of thirteen taxa of the genera Rosa L. and Rubus L. belonging to the family Rosaceae, which grows naturally in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, was investigated via light microscopy. All taxa have the type of anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface, and no stomata are present on the adaxial surface. Within the genus Rubus, among eighteen anatomical characters examined, only three characters are valuable at the species level, such as the anticlinal wall patterns on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces and the shape of the epidermal cells on the abaxial side. In Rosa, the shape of the epidermal cells on the abaxial surface varies from polygonal and polygonal-slightly irregular to irregular, and the variety R. canina var. deseglsei is recognized by the abaxial surface’s anticlinal wall pattern and the epidermal cells shape from other vanities of R. canina. Stomatal density as a range and stomata index could be valuable two diagnostic features for separating R. hemispharica from the remaining taxa of the genus Rosa. The taxa of Section: Pimpinellifoliae can be separate by the patterns of anticlinal walls of the abaxial surface from the remaining taxa of Sections: Caninae and Gallicanae within Subgenus: Rosa under study. According to our findings, some leaf epidermal characteristics and stomata are advantageous for distinguishing the various taxonomic ranks of the genera Rosa and Rubus family Rosaceae.

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Annonaceae Juss. and its taxonomic evidence in Nigeria and the Cameroons

AbstractThis study describes the comprehensive micromorphology and taxonomic evidence of 28 species of Annonaceae from Nigeria and the Cameroons using light microscopy to provide additional anatomical and morphological diagnostic characters to complement the systematics boundaries of the infrafamilial and tribal clades. The epidermal cell shape varies from polygonal to irregular on both or either surface except Annona reticulata with isodiametric on the adaxial surface. The anticlinal wall patterns are either undulated, straight, or curved in the family. The constant generic feature encountered includes hypostomata which are mostly paracytic except in Cananga odorata, Isolona zenkeri, Uvaria angolensis and Letestudoxa bella possessing pericytic, 1 + 2 laterocytic and stephanocytic, respectively. Hemiparacytics, brachyamphiparacytic and brachyparacytic stomata, which are variables of paracytic are also present. These stomata complexes proved useful in species delimitation and diagnostic of the family Annonaceae. Other foliar epidermal features were crystals of different shapes and sizes mainly of druses and styloid, unicellular trichome type, and anticlinal wall pattern. The pattern of affinity among the species suggested evidence of similarity and differences in the micromorphological characters, which cumulated to the distinct identification of each species. Based on the most reliable characters within the family, the k‐means cluster, distance matrix, correlation coefficient, and UPGMA dendrogram tree were constructed.

Foliar epidermal studies in the family Sapindaceae Juss. in South Western Nigeria

A comparative study of leaf epidermal features of selected species of the family Sapindaceae in Nigeria was undertaken with a view to obtain additional characters for the elucidation of taxonomic relationships, delimiting species and identification of the taxa. The epidermises were separated from the mesophyll by soaking in concentrated Nitric acid. Bubble appearance on the surfaces of the leaves indicated their readiness for separation. They were then rinsed in water thrice before the layers were separated with the aid of forceps and Camel hair brush, stained with Safranin O. It was then mounted in 25% glycerol on clean glass slides, covered with cover slips. The micro morphological characters of leaf were more or less uniform in all taxa in the family. The adaxial cuticle was striated in most species. The polygonal epidermal cells with straight anticlinal walls on the adaxial surface of Cardiosermum halicacabum separated it from the other species with irregular shaped epidermal cells. Undulated anticlinal walls were observed on both surfaces. The leaves were hypostomatic in most species except in C. halicacabum where amphistomaty was observed. Stomata types included anomocytic, tetracytic and staurocytic but the anomocytic stomata were the most predominant.

Anatomical and phytochemical studies and ethnomedicinal uses of Colchicum autumnale L.

Background: In the world, great importance is attached to the intensification of plants. To date, most medicinal plants are only partially used. In case of Colchicum autumnale L. currently mainly the corms are used for the extraction of alkaloids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intensification of the use of this perspective plant reported from the study area. This article examines the anatomy and phytochemistry of leaf and corm of C. autumnale, which is grown as a medicinal crop in Uzbekistan. Methods: The leaves were fixed in 70% ethanol according to the generally accepted method; transverse and paradermal sections were examined on the fixed material. When studying the anatomical features of the leaf, preparations was formed by manually cutting a transverse section of the leaf were observed by a MOTIC V1 microscope. The slides were stained with glycerin jelly having safranin. Cells and tissues were measured using a micrometer MOB-15. To determine the amount of alkaloids contained in the leaves and in corms, a chemical analysis was carried out in the laboratory of alkaloids of the Institute of Chemistry of Plant Substances. Results: On the transverse section of the stomata of the leaves of Colchicum autumnale anomocytic type, 2-3 rows of parenchyma and palisade cells, the characteristic size of the stomata. The root structure of C. autumnale consists of 4-5 rows of corolla, 4 protoxylems and 1 metaxylem, and the presence of rhomboid calcium oxalate crystals in its parenchyma is a characteristic feature of the species. As a result of studying the chemical composition of the plant in the conditions of the Tashkent region, it was observed that the amount of alkaloids in the aerial part of the colchicum, in the leaves was 0.4% and in the corm 0.14%. Conclusion: The current work sought to resolve taxonomic issues involving species that share the majority of their physical characteristics and to clarify relationships between important taxa by utilizing leaf epidermal characteristics. As a result of chemical analysis, it was revealed that the amount of alkaloids in the leaves of Colchicum autumnale, introduced in the conditions of the Tashkent region (Uzbekistan), is higher than in natural regions. This proves that in the conditions of Uzbekistan it is possible to grow Colchicum and obtain high-quality raw materials. Key words: autumn crocus, meadow saffron, anatomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicine.

Gelidocalamusalbozonatus (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new species from the southeast of Chongqing, China, and analysis of the morphological diversity in the core group of Gelidocalamus.

Gelidocalamusalbozonatus W. G. Zhang, S. R. Yi & Y. L. Li, a new species of Gelidocalamus, collected from Pengshui County of Chongqing City in China, was described and illustrated herein. In this study, key morphological characters were compared between the new species and other eight "gelido-" members of Gelidocalamus. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), its leaf epidermal characters were observed in comparison with those of another three Gelidocalamus representatives. Our results show that the new taxon has the typical characteristics of the genus Gelidocalamus, both macromorphologically and micromorphologically. Moreover, it was most similar to G.tessellatus, but differed by a ring of white tomenta below per node, culm sheath base with densely purple verrucous setae and foliage leaf blades mesophyll.

A new combination in Serjania (Sapindaceae, Paullinieae) endemic to Minas Gerais, Brazil

A new combination, Serjania urvilleoides based on Cardiospermum urvilleoides (Sapindaceae, Paullinieae) is proposed. We are able to establish this new combination, on the basis of recent molecular evidence, complemented with carpological and seminal characters which are described for the first time. This species is endemic to Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is compared to its putative closest relative. In addition, illustrations, micromorphological characters of leaf epidermis, distribution map and conservation status are provided.

Micro-morphological characters in Polypodiaceae and its taxonomic significance

The present study insights into the interrelationships and taxonomic segregation of some Polypodiaceous fern taxa based on leaf architecture and foliar micro-morphology. Twenty-seven fern species were examined and valuable qualitative and quantitative data were obtained to generate UPGMA dendrogram. A dichotomous key differentiating the taxa was prepared. Results reveal that even though species have overlapping characters, certain specific traits prove taxonomically valuable. The results proved that traits like leaf shape, higher order leaf venation, stomatal and epidermal features are indeed important diagnostic characters and hence can be used for the identification of fern species in their immature stage or even in absence of sori. These data sets often combined with other morphological as well molecular data would contribute to fern phylogenetic study particularly of the large and complex family Polypodiaceae.

Theriophonum blumei (Araceae), a new species from Tamil Nadu, India

Theriophonum blumei sp. nov., a new species is described and illustrated from Tamil Nadu, India based on morphological and leaf epidermal features. Although morphologically T. blumei appears to be similar to T. sivaganganum (Ramam. & Sebastine) Bogner having long acuminate spathe, it is different from T. sivaganganum in various aspects such as ellipsoid seed with ridged surface, spinulose and bifid stigma, filiform neuters and berries with purplish strands. T. blumei has echinate pollen sculpture and T. sivaganganum has verrucate sculpture. Added to that, molecular based (rbcL, matK, trnL‐F) phylogenetic analysis also indicate that T. blumei is genetically distinct from T. sivaganganum.

Phylogenomics, plastome structure and species identification in Mahonia (Berberidaceae)

BackgroundElucidating the phylogenetic relationships within species-rich genera is essential but challenging, especially when lineages are assumed to have been going through radiation events. Mahonia Nutt. (Berberidaceae) is a genus with cosmopolitan distribution, comprising approximately 100 species, two of which are known as Caulis Mahoniae (M. bealei and M. fortunei) with crucial pharmacological significance in Chinese herbal medicine. Mahonia is a taxonomically challenging genus, and intrageneric phylogenetic relationships still need to be explored using genome data. Universal DNA barcodes and floral morphological attributes have limited discriminatory power in Mahonia.ResultsWe sequenced 17 representative plastomes and integrated three published plastome data together to conduct comparative and phylogenetic analyses. We found that Mahonia and Berberis share a large IR expansion (~ 12 kb), which is recognized as a typical character of Berberideae. Repeated sequences are revealed in the species of Mahonia, which are valuable for further population genetic studies. Using a comparative plastome analysis, we determined eight hypervariable regions whose discriminative power is comparable to that of the whole plastid genomes. The incongruence of the ITS and the plastome tree topologies may be ascribed to ancestral hybridization events and/or to incomplete lineage sorting. In addition, we suggest that leaf epidermal characters could help to distinguish closely related species in Mahonia.ConclusionsWe propose an integrative approach combining special barcodes and micromorphological traits to circumscribe Mahonia species. The results cast a new light on the development of an integrative method for accurate species circumscription and provide abundant genetic resources for further research on Mahonia.

A New Species of Comptonia (Myricaceae) from the Early Miocene of Central Inner Mongolia, China, and Phytogeographic History of Sweet-Fern.

Simple SummaryThe deciduous shrub Comptonia is a monotypic genus of Myricaceae, which currently is distributed only in eastern North America, with a smaller range than that in other periods of the Cenozoic. By analyzing the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the leaves, we describe a new species of Comptonia (i.e., Comptonia hirsuta) from the Hannuoba Formation in Zhuozi, Inner Mongolia, North China. The co-occurring fruits were also studied based on their morphological characteristics, which were assigned to Comptonia tymensis. Variation in the distribution range of Comptonia indicates the influence of global cooling on the expansion of this plant. Furthermore, the Bering Land Bridge played an important role in the migration from North America to East Asia. The Thulean route may have provided an opportunity for plant exchange between western Europe and eastern North America. Moreover, the reason for the disappearance of Comptonia from China according to the analysis of the changes in both the global climate and the distribution of Comptonia fossils is also discussed. It is suggested that the climatic changes after the late Miocene and the progenitive pattern of Comptonia together caused the disappearance of Comptonia in China.Comptonia (Myricaceae) is well known as a monotypic genus living only in eastern North America; however, fossils show that the genus occurred extensively in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic. We observed dozens of Comptonia leaf fossils from the early Miocene in Zhuozi, China. The leaf architecture characteristics and epidermal features of the fossil specimens are described in detail here for the first time, and they were assigned to a new species: Comptonia hirsuta. The fruit fossils collected simultaneously from the same layer were assigned to Comptonia tymensis. The global fossil records indicate that the spatial distribution range of Comptonia reached its peak in both the Eocene and Miocene as two warm periods and then gradually decreased in the Oligocene, as well as after the late Miocene, because of the cooling global climate. Furthermore, the Comptonia taxon in East Asia may have migrated from North America via the Bering route in the late Paleocene or Eocene. Plant exchange between western Europe and eastern North America possibly occurred during the Eocene via the Thulean route. Phytogeographic variation in the Comptonia fossils from China also indicates that the reason for the disappearance of Comptonia from China may not only be due to the prolonged cooling and drying after the late Miocene, but also due to its progenitive pattern.

Comparative leaf epidermis study in Habenaria spp. (Orchidaceae) from Thailand

Abstract. Muangsan N, Saensouk P, Chanokkhun T, Watthana S. 2022. Comparative leaf epidermis study in Habenaria spp. (Orchidaceae) from Thailand. Biodiversitas 23: 4159-4168. The variation of epidermal and stomatal characteristics could be used for plant classification, including orchids. This study aimed to investigate leaf epidermis characters of Habenaria from Thailand and focused on the H. rhodocheila group and related species. Fourteen accessions belonging to 10 species were studied and compared. Epidermal peels were taken from the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and were observed under a light microscope. The stomata of all accessions studied were distributed only in the lower epidermis, where they were hypostomatic and anomocytic. The epidermal cell density showed significant differences between the two surface sides. The stomatal size is significantly different among all samples. The highest stomatal index was presented in H. rostrata and the lowest on H. rhodocheila (red). There is no gap variation of epidermis characteristics in H. rhodocheila and its closely related species. It is indicated that the leaf epidermal characters are the shared characters of the genus Habenaria from Thailand. H. rostrata has tentatively separated from other species based on epidermal anatomical characteristics.