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Comparative Foliar Epidermal Morphology of the Genus Terminalia L. in Nigeria

G. Nodza,S. Adeniran,S. A. Hammajoda,T. O. Onuminya,George Isaac

Published 2025 in UMYU Scientifica

ABSTRACT

Foliar epidermal features play an important role in clarifying the taxonomy and systematics of flowering plants.  This study investigates leaf epidermal morphology of the eight Terminalia species represented in Nigeria using light microscopy to resolve besetting taxonomic issues.  Leaf sections were macerated, cleaned, mounted, stained, and sealed on slides for microscopic examination.  Stomatal index and other measurements were then recorded.  The findings revealed variability in stomatal and other epidermal features among the species, although some characteristic features remained consistent.  Epidermal cells generally exhibit a regular and sinuous shape, with the exception of Terminalia schimperiana, which displays isodiametric cells on both surfaces.  The anticlinal cell walls are either straight or undulating; however, they are curved on the adaxial surface of Terminalia macroptera.  All the species studied exhibit hypostomatic and anomocytic stomata except for Terminalia macroptera, which has amphistomatic leaves.  Multangulate trichomes were recorded in Terminalia avicennioides, and falcate trichomes in Terminalia schimperiana.  The stomatal indices varied significantly, ranging from 28.75% in Terminalia laxiflora to 5.95% in Terminalia macroptera.  Moreover, the examined species showed significant variations in stomatal type, anticlinal wall type, epidermal cell type, and trichome presence.  However, these taxonomic features have been recognized as diagnostic and highly significant characteristics for resolving taxonomic issues and aiding the accurate identification of these species for effective conservation and monitoring.  An artificial taxonomic key was developed based on foliar epidermal characteristics to accurately delineate and identify the Nigerian Terminalia spp.  Therefore, further anatomical research utilizing a scanning electron microscope is recommended to strengthen the systematics of Terminalia in Nigeria.

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