Leaf Epidermal Morphology of Diospyros from China and Its Taxonomic Significance

Abstract:

In order to understand the leaf epidermal morphology of Diospyros (Ebenaceae), the leaf epidermal characters of 46 species and 2 varieties were observed under light microscopes, and then the major characters were analyzed by principal component analysis. The results showed that the micro-morphology of the leaf in Diospyros could be divided into two groups, Group A and Gruop B. The epidermal cells were irregular with repand or sinuous anticlinal walls in Group A, and which were polygonal with straight or arched anticlinal walls in Group B. The leaves of the genus were hypostomatic. The stomata were mainly anomocytic and sometimes actinocytic, cyclocytic or staurocytic. The trichomes were found in most species, which were either simple non-glandular or capitate glandular. Therefore, the epidermal characters would provide valuable morphological evidences for classification in some taxa of the genus.

Key words:Diospyros;Leaf epidermis morphology;Stomata;Trichomes;Principal component analysis