Abstract Detail

Anatomy and Morphology

Arogundade, Oluwabunmi [1], Adedeji, Olubukola [2].

Leaf Anatomy Of Three Species Of Alocasia (Schott) G. Don In South Western Nigeria.

The anatomy of the epidermis, transverse section of the leaves and the petioles of three species of Alocasia (Schott) G. Don in South Western part of Nigeria were examined in order to discover anatomical characters of taxonomic importance among them. The species are Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) Schott, Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) G. Don and Alocasia plumbea (Schott) G. Don. Standard procedures were followed in preparing the epidermal peels and the transverse sections of the leaves and the three regions of the petiole: proximal, median and distal regions. Generic characters among the species include polygonal to irregular epidermal cell shape, straight anticlinal wall pattern, elliptic and circular shaped stomata, brachyparacytic stomatal complex type, round abaxial petiole outline and the presence of druses, raphides and starch grains in the petiole. Specific epidermal characters that can be employed in the taxonomy and delimitation of the species include presence of scales on the adaxial surface of A. cucullata, druses on the abaxial surfaces of A. macrorrhiza and A. plumbea and mucilaginous cells in A. plumbea. Quantitatively, A. macrorrhiza has the highest stomata index. Collenchyma cell types of the leaf and petiole, the adaxial petiole outline and the presence of tannins can also be used in separating the species.

1 - Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 234, Nigeria
2 - Obafemi Awolowo University, Botany, Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun

Keywords:
Alocasia
Leaf anatomy
Petiole anatomy
Stomatal complex
Mucilaginous cells
Trichome
Scale
Epidermis.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 6, Anatomy and Morphology I
Location: 113/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 10:00 AM
Number: 6008
Abstract ID:129
Candidate for Awards:None