Epidermal morphology of the genus Dialium (Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae)

Abstract

Epidermal morphology of adaxial and abaxial leaflet surfaces of the five species in the genus Dialium (Fabaceae: Caesalpinoideae) were studied by light microscopy. The epidermises are composed of cells which are isodiametric, irregular or both types in outline. Anticlinal walls are either straight, curved or undulate. Leaflets of all taxa are hypostomatic. Paracytic stomata occur in all species except D. guineense that posses both paracytic and staurocytic stomata. Other features of the epidermis that show variation include stomatal size and density, size and density of epidermal cells, and type, size, shape, frequency and basal cells of the trichomes. An indented, dichotomous key for identifying the species is presented.

Foliar Epidermal and Pollen Characters of Some Species in the Genus Microcos Linn. in Nigeria

“…This is an unexpected deviation which may be related to species studied by them. The importance of stomatal complex especially in the identification of small leaf fragments has been noted by [13] and [30]. The relative abundance and variation of the trichomes is of taxonomic importance in the species studied.…”

Scanning electron microscopy of fruits in the West African Polygonaceae

“…The fruit surface of the Polygonaceae renders it as an excellent material for SEM work. Leaf, seed, and fruit micromorphology can be valuable tools in discerning relationships (Stace, 1965; Olowokudejo & Nyananyo, 1990; Sheteolu & Ayodele, 1997). Details of the sculpturing and ornamentation of the wall can be variable and of systematic importance (Barthlott, 1984, 1990; Olowokudejo, 1985; Zhang et al, 2005).…”