Taxonomy of medicinal plants I. Epidermal morphology of the genus Khaya (Meliaceae) in West Africa

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Date
1990
Authors
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Nyananyo, B. L.
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Publisher
Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA
Abstract
Leaf epidermal morphology of four West African species of Khaya (Meliaceae) has been studied using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The cuticle may be striate, reticulate or verrucose. Epidermal cells are either isodiametric or irregular in shape. The anticlinical walls are of variable thickness and their positions are marked by raised ridges or shallow irregular grooves. Periclinal walls may be flat, concave or convex. Anomocytic stomata which are either superficial or slightly sunken occur in all taxa. Stomata1 size and index are variable among all species. A dichotomous key for identifying the species, even if they are in a fragmentary condition, is presented.
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Citation
Olowokudejo, J. D. Nyananyo, B. L. (1990). Taxonomy of medicinal plants I. Epidermal morphology of the genus Khaya (Meliaceae) in West Africa. Feddes Repertorium 101(7-8): 401-407