Systematic significance of foliar epidermis and tendril morphology in three West African genera of Cucurbitaceae: Momordica L., Luffa Mill. and Trichosanthes L
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Date
2016
Authors
Kadiri, A. B.
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Taylor and Francis Group
Abstract
Momordica, Luffa and Trichosanthes are important cucurbitaceous plants whose foliar epidermal characters are sparsely
documented. A combined investigation of leaf epidermis and tendrils of the species was carried out with the aid of
light and scanning electron microscopy, and visual assessment. All Momordica species have hypostomatic leaves
except M. balsamina whose leaves are amphistomatic. This adds to our knowledge of range of stomatal distribution in
Momordica which hitherto, is reported hypostomatic. It also raises doubt about the naturalness of Sect. Momordica.
Only M. multiflora is glabrous and M. angustisepala alone is pubescent on the epidermal surfaces. Epidermis of Luffa
is amphistomatic and non-cystolithic whereas, it is hypostomatic and cystolithic in Trichosanthes. Tendrils branches
arise from the base in Luffa (3–4 in number) and Trichosanthes (2–3 in number) whereas in Momordica they may not
branch or are bifurcated, with one being vestigial. These comparative data support classifying the three genera in separate
tribes. In particular, characters of the leaf epidermis will assist in identifying the species even when the leaf samples
are fragmentary, or when there is a mix-up, the usual state of herbal materials in the African markets.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Cucurbitaceae , cuticle , leaf epidermis , microscopy , taxonomy , tendrils , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES
Citation
Kadiri, A. B. and Olowokudejo, J. D. (2016). Systematic significance of foliar epidermis and tendril morphology in three West African genera of Cucurbitaceae: Momordica L., Luffa Mill. and Trichosanthes L. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography, Vol.71: 91–105pp.