Leaf Epidermal Characters Research Articles

Foliar epidermal characters and petiole anatomy of four species of <i>Citrus</i> L. (Rutaceae) in South-western Nigeria

Studies on the leaf epidermal characters and petiole anatomy of four species of Citrus L. viz., C. limon (L.) Burm., C. paradisi Macf., C. reticulata Blanco and C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck were carried out to establish and document their foliar anatomical characters with the aim of separating them from the modified varieties been cultivated globally. Leaf epidermal features that revealed close relationship among these taxa include hypostomatic condition, stomata shape and type, presence of secretory cavity on the adaxial surface, and polygonal shape of epidermal cells. The absence of secretory cavity on the abaxial surface separates C. limon and C. sinensis from others. Petiole anatomy revealed that the outline is flat without ribs in C. sinensis, convex with short ribs in C. reticulata, convex with long ribs in C. paradisi while in C. limon it is circular without ribs. Presence of trichomes and crystals distinguishes C. paradisi from the rest.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v19i1.10938Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 19(1): 25-31, 2012 (June)

Leaf epidermal features of Salix species (Salicaceae) and their systematic significance

The classification of the genus Salix has historically been intrinsically difficult due to its propensity toward plasticity and high variation in diagnostic morphological characters. We investigated leaf epidermal characteristics, focusing on the stomatal apparatus because it may provide critical insights into the evolution and taxonomy of Salix and its closely related genera. Light microscopy was used to examine the leaf epidermal features in 32 taxa of Salix. Characters such as shape, size, and density of stomatal complexes were very useful in differentiating Salix species. Variation in features of stomatal apparatus in Salix is wider than previously known. Moreover, the type of stomatal complex proved to be very helpful in discriminating Chosenia as members of the genus Salix. The results of the present study support the placement of Chosenia within Salix and the combining of subgenera Chamaetia and Vetrix because of similarities in their unique stomatal apparatus.

Leaf epidermal features of Lithocarpus (Fagaceae) from China and their systematic significance

The leaves of 52 species of Lithocarpus in China were studied. The adaxial leaf epidermis was investigated by light microscopy. Epidermal cells of the adaxial surface were classified into three types on the basis of the outline of their anticlinal walls, i.e. sinuate, straight and curved. The abaxial leaf epidermis was investigated by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The following types of trichome were observed: appressed parallel tuft, stellate, fused stellate, papillae, stipitate fasciculate, solitary unicellular, appressed laterally attached unicellular, curly thin‐walled unicellular, bulbous and thin‐walled peltate. The fused stellate, appressed laterally attached unicellular and curly thin‐walled unicellular trichomes were reported in Lithocarpus for the first time. The appressed parallel tuft trichome, which is recognized as a salient characteristic of Lithocarpus, was not found in 15 species. A cladistic analysis was performed on the basis of the leaf epidermal features. According to the leaf epidermal features and several morphological characteristics, 26 of the 52 species could be divided into seven groups. Similar groups can be found in Barnett's and Camus' systems. The trichomes of four genera in Fagaceae are listed and compared. Lithocarpus had 14 types of trichome, 11 of which were identical to types found in Quercus, more than in Castanopsis and Cyclobalanopsis. The evolutionary trends of trichomes in Fagaceae are discussed and a new point of view is raised. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 168, 216–228.

Leaf Epidermal Morphology and Taxonomic Significance of Euonymus L. in China

The leaf epidermal characteristics of 24 species of Euonymus and 3 species of Glyptopetalum in China were investigated using light microscopy(LM) and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The stomatal ratio of length to width,density and index were measured.The results revealed that the epidermal structure is of the same type in the two genera: most of adaxial and abaxial epidermal cells are polygonal shapes,and their anticlinal walls are mainly straight-arched;The stomatal apparatuses only present on the abaxial epidermis for most sampled species.The stomata are anomocytic.However,in some species,the stomata are cyclocytic.Under SEM,the cuticular membrane,cell boundary of the leaf epidermis and stomatal structure are different among some species,which may be referred for the systematic relationships and classification of Euonymus.

Cardiospermum bahianum (Sapindaceae: Paullinieae), a New Species from Bahia, Brazil

Abstract Cardiospermum bahianum, a new species from Bahia, Brazil, is described, illustrated, and compared to its putative closest relatives C. anomalum and C. cuchujaquense. The new species is endemic to the caatinga vegetation. In addition, micromorphological characters of leaf epidermis, seed coat, and pollen grains are described. A somatic chromosome number of 2n = 36 is reported. Detailed light and scanning electron microscope photographs of the main characters are presented. The new species belongs to Cardiospermum section Carphospermum. It is distinguished from the similar C. anomalum by its conspicuous lenticels, seeds nearly spherical, and it differs in chromosome number. Additionally, new synonymies for C. anomalum are established. A key to the species of Cardiospermum in Brazil is provided.

Leaf epidermal characters of Solanum sect. polytrichum (Solanaceae) as taxonomic evidence

The morphological similarities among the species of Solanum are remarkable, and are often very difficult one clear distinction between them. This paper presents a comparative anatomical study of the leaf epidermis of five Brazilian species of Solanum sect. Polytrichum, carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. The leaf epidermis surfaces were investigated to evaluate their taxonomic significance to be used for separation and delimitation of the species of the section. As results, some micro-morphological characters of the leaf epidermis, such as density, distribution and type of stellate trichomes, and the anticlinal walls of epidermal cells, and also the type and distribution of stomata proved to be the most useful and distinctive characters for the separation and delimitation of the species, and also may contribute as an additional support to the interspecific taxonomy and systematic of Solanum sect. Polytrichum.

Foliar epidermal anatomy of some ethnobotanically important species of genus Ficus Linn.

The main objective of this paper is the detailed morphological study of leaf epidermis of Genus Ficus (Moraceae). The study based on the micro characters of leaf epidermis of some species of Ficus collected from Pakistan. The study revealed the many interesting epidermal features of leaves that have not previously been reported before and has been conducted first time. No published details are available of such comprehensive foliar anatomical studies of following species of genus Ficus L. species has been conducted first time. Note the measurements, shape and type of the leaf epidermal cells including pavement cells, stomata and shape of guard cell pairs, trichomes and ornamentation of cuticular membrane. Pavement cells are often polygonal and irregular. Among the species the F. virens has larger pavement cells as well as stomata as compare to other species. Whereas there are little variations represented in qualitative and quantitative characters among the species of same genus. Stomata are paracytic except in F. nerrifolia and F. callosoa and are restricted on abaxial surface. Trichomes present in some species mostly are unicellular and non-glandular with bulbous base. Cuticular membrane is mostly smooth and pubescent. And in some species peltate glands also observed. Key words: Ficus, anatomy, trichome, stomata, pavement cells and species.

Lectotypification of Quercus arbutifolia (Fagaceae) and the taxonomic treatment of Quercus subsect. Chrysotrichae

The name Quercus arbutifolia Hickel & A. Camus is lectotypifed. In addition, leaf epidermal features of Q. obovatifolia C. C. Huang, Q. arbutifolia and four other closely related species, Q. daimingshanensis (S. K. Lee) C. C. Huang, Q. merrillii Seemen, Q. litseoides Dunn and Q. tiaoloshanica Chun & W. C. Ko, were studied and compared using herbarium collections. Based on a comparison of leaf epidermal and other key taxonomic features, we conclude that Q. obovatifolia and Q. arbutifolia are identical. We thus reduce Q. obovatifolia to a new synonym of Q. arbutifolia. A key to the studied species is included.

Impatiens parvisepala(Balsaminaceae), a New Species from Guangxi, China

Impatiens parvisepala S.X. Yu & Y.T. Hou sp. nova (Balsaminaceae), from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is closely related to I. claviger in having a raceme, yellow flowers and four lateral sepals, but differs by the sessile or subsessile leaves aggregated or subverticillate on the upper part of the stem, obovate or obovate-lanceolate leaf blades, lanceolate or subulate bracts, smaller outer lateral sepals, funnel-shaped lower sepal with a nearly straight spur and reddish patches, and the lateral united petals clawed. Pollen morphology and leaf epidermal characters also support recognition of I. parvisepala.

Leaf epidermal characters and taxonomic revision of Schizophragma and Pileostegia (Hydrangeaceae)

This article provides leaf epidermal characters and a taxonomic revision of Schizophragma and Pileostegia (Hydrangeaceae). Schizophragma and Pileostegia are treated as two separate genera on the basis of morphology and leaf epidermal characters. In Schizophragma, seven species and five varieties are recognized, and two new synonyms are proposed and one lectotype is designated. Leaf epidermal characters are of great significance in taxonomic classification in Schizophragma. In Pileostegia, two species are recognized, and two new synonyms are proposed and two lectotypes are designated. Descriptions, maps, notes on ecology and phenology and keys to both genera are provided. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 165, 285–314.

Diagnostic Significance of Leaf Epidermal Features in the Family Cucurbitaceae

Diagnostic Significance of Leaf Epidermal Features in the Family Cucurbitaceae

A Effect of automobile exhausts on the leaf epidermal features of some members of Apocynaceae

In the present investigation A effect of automobile exhausts on the leaf epidermal features of some members of Apocynaceae. The present experimental study were recorded the stomatal frequency, stomatal index, Length, Breadth and epidermal frequency for both surfaces i.e. Abaxial (Lower) & Adaxial (upper) surface for both side i.e.Garden & road side species.Selected plant species are Alstonia scholaris (L.) R.Br, Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don Variety (Pink), Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don Variety (White),Carissa carandas(L.),Nerium oleander (L.)Variety (Red),Nerium oleander (L.)Variety (Pink) ,Nerium oleander (L.)Variety (White),Plumeria alba (L.) ,Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br, Thevetia neriifolia Juss.

European Tertiary Fagaceae with chinquapin‐like foliage and leaf epidermal characteristics

AbstractFoliage morphotypes of fossil Fagaceae similar to Castanea document for the Eocene and Oligocene of Europe important deciduous accessory elements of the Notophyllous Evergreen and Mixed Mesophytic Forest types. These detached leaf fossils with partially preserved cuticle structures allow us to discriminate two morphospecies: Castaneophyllum venosum (Rossmässler) Knobloch & Kvaček (Late Eocene) and Castaneophyllum lonchitiforme Kvaček & Walther, sp. n. (Oligocene). Both recall foliage of living representatives of Castanea sect. Balanocastanon Dode (chinquapins) and partly Quercus L. while detailed epidermal anatomy indicates more straightforward affinities to the Castaneoideae s.s., namely Castanea in particular, by broader bases of glandular trichomes (Castanea‐ type) and stellate appressed trichomes with thin bases. Similar Neogene morphospecies Quercus drymeja Ung. and Quercus kubinyii (Kováts ex Ettingsh.) Czeczott decidedly differ in almost hairless leaves with a strong hypodermal tissue and simple bases of glandular trichomes matching oaks of the Cerris group. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae fossils from early Miocene New Zealand: Mallotus– Macaranga leaves, fruits, and inflorescence with in situ Nyssapollenites endobalteus pollen

An early Miocene (ca. 23 Ma) flora from the Foulden Maar diatomite deposit, Otago, southern New Zealand contains numerous organically-preserved fossil leaf compressions, flowers and fruits. A fossilised male partial lax inflorescence carrying in situ pollen of the type Nyssapollenites endobalteus (McIntyre) Kemp & Harris is assigned to Euphorbiaceae, subfamily Acalyphoideae, tribe Acalypheae. Leaves from the same site are referred to the Mallotus–Macaranga clade (Euphorbiaceae: Acalyphoideae) on the basis of leaf architecture and epidermal features and described as Malloranga fouldenensis gen. et sp. nov. In addition, euphorbiaceous trilobed capsular fruits are assigned to the form genus Euphorbiotheca as E. mallotoides sp. nov. and an immature infructescence is also described. The inflorescence, pollen, leaves and fruits blew or fell into a small enclosed maar lake and must have been derived from trees or shrubs growing around the lake margin.

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Cissampelos L. (Menispermaceae) species from Northeastern Brazil

The morphological similarities among the species of Cissampelos are remarkable and the difficult to distinguish them as well. This article presents a comparative anatomical study of the leaves of common Northeastern Brazilian species of Cissampelos, carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy. The leaf epidermal was studied to obtain data on epidermal characteristics and to evaluate their taxonomic significance. As results, some micromorphological characters on the leaf epidermal like the cuticular waxes, the presence of papillae in epidermis and nonglandular trichomes, the anticlinal walls epidermal cells, the distribution, density and type of trichomes, and also the type and distribution of epicuticular wax proved to be the most useful characteristics to distinguish the species in taxonomic studies.

Micro-morphological Characteristics of Leaf Epidermis under Light Microscopy and Its Taxonomic Significance in <I>Persea</I>(Lauraceae) from America

Leaf epidermal micro-morphological characters of 54 species belonging to genus Persea (Lauraceae) from America were comparatively studied by the means of light microscopy. It was shown that the leaf epidermal cells were usually regular bearing with straight or beaded anticlinal walls.Most of these species had unicellular trichomes uniformly distributed. The stomatal apparatus which were paracytic,only randomly presented in the areoles of abaxial epidermis for all sampled species,can be assigned into three types. The results showed that similar leaf epidermal characters can be found in the species with similar morphology. Nineteen characters were selected for PCA analysis,and the sampled species was divided into two clades. The characters of leaf epidermis were little different within a species but can vary among species. However,the multiple leaf epidermal characters including the shape of epidermal cells,the shape of stomatal apparatus,stomatal ledges and some distinct characters were relatively constant and taxonomically quite useful for the identification of some species with similar phenotypes.

Taxonomic significance of leaf epidermal anatomy of selected Persicaria Mill. species of family Polygonaceae from Pakistan

Leaf epidermal anatomy of selected Persicaria Mill. species of the family Polygonaceae revealed variation in size and shape of epidermal cells, stomata, glandular and non glandular trichomes. This study proves to be taxonomically important tool in the delimitation of taxa. Epidermal cell shapes are variable but mostly polygonal. Five different stomatal patterns are reported for Persicaria Mill. Two types of non glandular trichomes are observed only in P. barbata, P. stagnina and P. orientalis which serve as their distinguishing characters. Glandular trichomes are 1, 2 and 4-celled peltate, capitate and spheroidal. Cluster analyses elucidate relationship among different taxa by utilization of leaf epidermal characters.

A taxonomic study of some species in Cassiinae (Leguminosae) using leaf epidermal characters.

Foliar epidermal characters of ten species from the genus Cassia L. Emend. Gaertner, Senna Miller and Chamaecrista Moench found in South Western Nigeria were studied. The aim was to establish some useful diagnostic features that may be employed in combination with other characters as intra or inter-specific or generic tools for their delimitation. Our results revealed exciting features that are helpful in the identification of each species. These include guard cell area, stomatal index and frequency, presence or absence of trichomes, types of trichomes, as well as their length on epidermal surfaces and wall types. These results, therefore suggest diagnostic features that were found on the epidermal surface that can be employed to justify the separation of the new genera Senna and Chamaecrista from their initial genus Cassia.

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Asiatic Buddleja L. under scanning electron microscope: Insights into chromosomal and taxonomic significance

The leaf epidermis of all 23 species from Asian Buddleja was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Characteristics of trichome type, stomatal shape, cuticular membrane on adaxial and abaxial epidermis, inner margin of outer stomatal ledge and ornamentation of outer stomatal ledge are presented in this study. Among the Buddleja species, some distinct epidermal patterns were observed. These can be used to characterize and identify different sections among the Asian Buddleja species, viz. Alternifoliae, Curviflorae and Rectiflorae. In general, stomatal length of Buddleja increases with ploidy level. This character can be used to distinguish diploids from polyploids without preparation of caryograms. Based on this correlation Buddleja microstachya, B. subcapitata and B. bhutanica are characterized to be diploids, as concluded from their stomatal dimensions. Leaf epidermis characters can also be used to differentiate species pairs that are easily confused with each other, viz., B. asiatica and B. bhutanica, B. albiflora and B. nivea, B. candida and B. fallowiana, B. delavayi and B. forrestii, B. japonica and B. lindleyana, B. officinalis and B. paniculata.

A new Cephalotaxus and associated epiphyllous fungi from the Oligocene of Guangxi, South China

Cephalotaxus ningmingensis sp. nov. is described from the Oligocene Ningming Formation of Guangxi, South China on the basis of leafy shoots and detached leaves with well preserved cuticle. This is the first fossil record of Cephalotaxus in the low latitude tropical area. The new species has been compared with living and other fossil species hitherto described of the genus. It is most similar to the living Cephalotaxus oliveri Masters and Cephalotaxus bonseri (Knowlton) Chaney et Axelrod from the Miocene of Spokane, North America in leaf gross morphology and epidermal characters. A cladistic analysis based on epidermal characters is made for all described fossil species of the genus Cephalotaxus, with Thomasiocladus zamioides Florin, which is believed to be the earliest reliable fossil of Cephalotaxaceae, as an out-group. The analysis shows that fossil species of Cephalotaxus may be divided into three phylogenetic groups and the group containing C. ningmingensis is basal in the genus. The presence of the epiphyllous fungus Callimothallus pertusus Dilcher on leaves of C. ningmingensis likely indicates a humid climate during the Oligocene in Guangxi.