Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in the genus Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) in Southern Nigeria
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Date
2018
Authors
Bolarinwa, K. A.
Oyebanji, O. O.
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
West University of Timisoara
Abstract
Leaf epidermal morphology of eight species of Ipomoea found in Southern Nigeria has
been studied using light microscope. Epidermal characters such as stomata type,
epidermal cell type, anticlinal wall patterns, trichomes, presence of glands, stomata
number and size, epidermal cell number and size, cell wall thickness, gland number
and gland length vary within and amongst the species. The cells of adaxial and abaxial
epidermises are polygonal or irregular with straight, sinuous or curved anticlinal wall
pattern. Stomata are present on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Stomata complex is
paracytic except in I. asarifolia and I. purpurea where its staurocytic; stomata index is
higher on the abaxial side while trichome is absent on the abaxial surface of I. cairica
and I. purpurea, likewise on the adaxial surface of I. involucrata. Glands are observed
in all the species. Interspecific variation was further revealed in the quantitative
micromorphology characters of Ipomoea species studied which was statistically
supported at p<0.001 significance level. The taxonomic significance of these features
in identification and elucidation of species affinity is discussed.
Description
Keywords
Ipomoea , epidermal cell , stomata type , taxonomy , quantitative and qualitative characters
Citation
Bolarinwa, K. A., Oyebanji, O. O. and Olowokudejo, J. D. (2018). Comparative morphology of leaf epidermis in the genus Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) in Southern Nigeria Annals of West University of Timişoara, ser. Biology 21: 29-46