LEAF ANATOMY OF LETESTUDOXA BELLA PELLEGR (ANNONACEAE)
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Date
2019
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Library and Publication Committe University of Ilorin Nigeria
Abstract
A study of leaf anatomy (epidermis, architecture and midrib) of Letestudoxa bella was carried out using light microscope in order to provide useful anatomical features that will aid its identification. Hence, both qualitative and quantitative data of the leaf were assessed for their taxonomic significance. The shape of epidermal cells and its cell wall, type of wax depositions, type and number of stomata, areola formation, nerves ending, vein category, venation, type, shape and nature of vascular bundle, presence or absence of parenchyma and sclerenchyma are reliable criteria useful for identifying the plant. Outstandingly, the record of stephanocytic stomata in the genus is novel in the family Annonaceae. Other important findings in this study are the epidermal cell and stomatal number, length and width, and stomatal index which varied reasonably across the individuals of the species studied. The stomata number was recorded and its index calculated. A combination of these features proved can be reliably used to identify the species even when the leaf samples are fragmentary.
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Keywords
Annonaceae, architecture, epidermis, stephanocytic stomata