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A scanning electron microscope study of the genus Calyptrochilum Kraenzl. (Orchidaceae) in West Africa
Author(s) -
Jayeola A. A.,
Thorpe J. R.
Publication year - 2000
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.20001110506
Subject(s) - orchidaceae , biology , genus , botany , scanning electron microscope , optics , physics
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) study of leaf patterns in Calyptrochilum Kraenzl. was carried out in search of constant taxonomic characters. Calyptrochilum chrystyanum (Rchb.) Summerh. is characterized by a network of horizontal grooves, dome shaped micropapillae and a mass of soft wax, while C. emarginatum (Sw.) Schltr. is distinguished by the presence of densely overlapping conical and globular types of micropapillae. Sculpturing features in the genus are characteristic and therefore of utility in identifying even sterile specimens and fragments. An attempt is made to relate the observed surface patterns to distribution, ecology and habitat tolerance.