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SEM study of the leaf epidermis in Indian species of Ixora L. (Rubiaceae)
Author(s) -
Paul S. R.,
Husain T.
Publication year - 1991
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.19911020109
Subject(s) - trichome , rubiaceae , botany , biology , epidermis (zoology) , guard cell , taxon , taxonomy (biology) , anatomy
A SEM examination of the epidermis of mature leaves of 42 taxa in six sections of Ixora has been conducted. The results indicate that all the species and varieties (with the exception of I. subsessilis ) have stomata situated exclusively on the abaxial leaf surface (hypostomatic), guard cells are raised above the subsidiary cells. The position of stomata in relation with the other epidermal cells may be at the same level, or sunken. Prominent peristomatal rims are present around the stomata in most species. Trichomes may be absent or infrequently present in different sections but their presence does not have any bearing on the classification of species. Cell boundaries (clear or not clear) and cuticular ornamentations are significant at the species level, but rarely at higher categories in certain cases.