LEAF EPIDERMAL STUDIES OF THREE APOCYNACEAE SPECIES (Allamanda cathartica Linn., Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. and Catharanthus roseus Linn.)
Keywords:
Apocynaceae, Epidermal, Stomata, Taxonomy and TrichomesAbstract
Apocynaceae is a family of flowering plants that comprises 200 genera and about 2000 species and is widely distributed in tropics and subtropics. In West Africa, it is made up of 37 genera and 138 species. This study focuses on enhancing the taxonomic classification of the Apocynaceae plant family in Nigeria by investigating leaf epidermal characteristics of three species. (Allamanda cathartica Linn., Rauvolfia vomitoria Afzel. and Catharanthus roseus Linn) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Identification of species within this family is challenging due to the absence of easily distinguishable flowers and fruits. Leaf epidermal peels were obtained following standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive analysis and one-way Analysis of variance. Common elliptic stomata shape was observed, except in A. cathartica, which exhibited additional circular stomata on the adaxial surface. C. roseus was identified as amphistomatic, distinguishing it from the hypostomatic nature of the other two species. Anisocytic stomata type was consistent across all species but A. cathartica and R. vomitoria displayed extra tetracytic stomata type, while C. roseus showcased distinct stomata types like diacytic, and paracytic. The studied species exhibited similarities in anticlinal wall patterns, non-glandular trichomes, and polygonal to irregular epidermal cell shapes. A. cathartica had additional and different epidermal cell shapes which ranged from cylindrical, rectangular and triangular. The study emphasizes the taxonomic significance of epidermal characters like leaf surface, stomata type, anticlinal wall patterns, presence of non-glandular trichomes, distribution of stomata on leaf surfaces in delineating boundaries among the Apocynaceae species studied.
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