Systematic significance of foliar epidermal morphology in the West African species of Ludwigia (Onagraceae)
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Date
2010
Authors
Kadiri, A. B.
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
Abstract
A light microscopic study of the comparative foliar epidermal characteristics of the West African species of Ludwigia was undertaken, with a view to elucidate the systematic significance of epidermal morphology in the genus. Species diagnostic features include amphistomata in L. abyssinica, pubescent leaf in L. stolonifera and possession of peltate scale in L. octovalvis. Other systematically useful characters include the stomatal index. The highest index of 36.7 % was recorded in L. brenanii and stomatal size ranges from 12.3 μm to 41.1 μm in the genus. Trichomes are restricted to A. stolonifera only. Constant generic features are the paracytic stomatal type, amphi-, hypo-stomatic leaf and irregular to polygonal cell shape.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
leaf epidermis , Ludwigia , morphology , taxonomy , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES
Citation
Kadiri, A. B. and Olowokudejo, J. D. (2010). Systematic significance of foliar epidermal morphology in the West African species of Ludwigia (Onagraceae). Phytologia Balcanica 16 (1): 57 – 64