Stomata Profile Comparisons in Abaxial and Adaxial Zones of Dendrobium aphyllum and Arachnis flos-aeris Leaves

Abstract

Stomata play an essential role in transpiration and metabolism. Orchids are Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plants which are generally succulent leaf type. Orchids have several types of stomata, depending on habitat and environmental parameters that affect them. This study aimed to compare the stomata, including the anatomical structure, activity, and density of the orchids Dendrobium aphyllum and Arachnis flos-aeris. The method used was printing the surface of the leaves using glue and observed with a microscope. Data obtained were analyzed with the help of Image raster 3.0 and MS. Excel. In the present study, the stomata of D. aphyllum and A. flos-aeris are characterized by anomocytic type. The highest stomata density was obtained on the abaxial part of D. aphyllum 09.00 am 1177.78 um2. The adaxial leaves of both species are classified as low, or no stomata are found at all. The distance between the stomata on the abaxial leaves of D. aphyllum and A. flos-aeris is denser than the leaves' adaxial side. Stomata activity in orchids is related to orchids' adaptation process to the environmental parameters of their habitat. Stomata activity affects the transpiration process and CO2 fixation in orchid CAM metabolism.