Stomata in Uapaca (Euphorbiaceae)

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Uapaca togoensis

Comparative leaf epidermal morphology of five West African species of Uapaca baill (Phyllanthaceae pro forma Euphorbiaceae)

by Kadiri A. B., Ayodele A. E., Olowokudejo J. D., Uchemefuna D. (2013)

in Nigerian Journal of Botany 2013

– http://nijbot.org/?m=201309&paged=2

Foliar epidermal features of the species of Uapaca. A, B: U. heudelotii; C, D: U. paludosa; E, F: U. staudtii. Note the straight anticlinal wall and the polygonal cells. A,C, E: Adaxial surface and B, D, F: Abaxial surface. Bar scale is 50µm. – http://nijbot.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Images.jpg

ABSTRACT
The taxonomy of Euphorbiaceae was recently reviewed based on morphology and molecular data and more data are still being produced to enhance comprehension of the component taxa.

Therefore, in this study, we have contributed additional taxonomically useful data on the leaf epidermis of Uapaca which is now in the new family segregate, Phyllanthaceae of Euphorbiaceae by the means of light microscopy.

Generic constant features are polygonal cell shape, straight anticlinal wall pattern, hypostomatic leaf, paracytic and anomocytic stomata types.

Distinguishing characteristics are absence of anisocytic stomata in U.  staudtii, presence of pericytic stomata in U. heudelotii and U. paludosa and presence of tetracytic stomata in U. vanhouttei.

Other taxonomically useful features are possession of conical non-glandular trichomes in U. togoensis on both surfaces but which are restricted to the abaxial surface in U. vanhouttei as well as presence of crystals of calcium oxalate in U. staudtii and U. togoensis.

In the genus, the stomatal index ranges from 22.4% to 34%.

The taxonomic relationship is discussed and an artificial indented dichotomous key for separating the species is presented.

Read the full article: NJB