SEM studies of foliar epicuticular wax morphology in some taxa of Euphorbiaceae With one Table and 6 Plates

Abstract

The wax morphology of 16 species belonging to 13 genera of the family Euphorbiaceae have been studied by scanning electron microscopy. Six main types of wax, i.e., granular, crystalloid plates, ribbon, crust, rod‐shaped, and aggregate type, have been observed. The predominant types are fine granules and crystalloid plates. In several species, however, the wax is sparse or inconspicuous. The present study is not elucidate a clear pattern of relationships between wax morphology of Euphorbiaceae and its taxonomic divisions at sub‐family and tribal level made by some workers. However the studies indicates considerable diagnostic value of way morphological characters ad inter and intra‐generic level.