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Taxonomy of medicinal plants I. Epidermal morphology of the genus Khaya (Meliaceae) in West Africa
Author(s) -
Olowokudejo J. D.,
Nyananyo B. L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
feddes repertorium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.24
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1522-239X
pISSN - 0014-8962
DOI - 10.1002/fedr.19901010714
Subject(s) - meliaceae , reticulate , biology , taxonomy (biology) , botany , khaya , cuticle (hair) , morphology (biology) , anatomy , zoology
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. Stomatal 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.