EPIDERMAL STUDIES

STUDY of epidermal structure includes the study of superficial

or outer covering of the plant-body layer of cells in root, stem

and foliar structures. It also includes outer most layer of

floral parts, fruits and seeds. Since the epidermis represents in

this context, the point of direct contact between the plant and

its external environment, it is not surprising that this tissue

exhibits considerable diversity in its structure and functions.

Haber1andt(1914) has proposed a restricted physiological defini-

tion of the epidermis that wou1~ include only "those superficial

cells or cell layers" which physiologically participate between

plant and environment. According to this view point stomata would

be excluded on physiological ground, from the epidermis. But

Linsbauer(1930) has clearly pointed out relation of "Topographi-

cal Morphological Concept" rather than "Anatomico - Physiological

Systems". The ontogenetic development of the epidermis like wise

justifies its interpretation as a "Morphological Unit" since its

origin is traceable to an external embryonic layer or Protoderm,

which in many angiosperms, is directly continuous with the outer

most tunica layer of the shoot apex. Besides that there is good

evidence that the epidermis is the site of light perception

involved in circadian induction, W.Mayer(1973). The epidermis may

last through out the life of a given plant part, or it may be

later replaced by another protective tissue, the periderm. Epi-

dermis of root differs in origin, structure and function so its

>. is called Epiblema or Pi1iferous layer or even Rhizodermis. Thus

the epidermis in a corroborative term includes various types of

55

Epidermal cells, their out-growths, transformation and stomata,

including its outogeny. This broad view of epidermis is upheld by

Eames and MacDaniels(1947) and Metcalflaand Chalk(1950).

In present investigation, epidermal morphology stomata and ontog­

eny, of 30 Angiospermic, prominantly a~ailable taxa belonging to

some 13 different families, are worked out. List of the selected

families . P':''lot. and taxa are tabulated(T~No:53) Epidermis, its out

growth or transformation in various forms is duely considered.

TYP94 of stomata are elaborately dealt with and its ontogeny is

traced out. A brief resume of morphological characters is also

attempted to establish the identity of the particular plant.

Observations are noted down and summarily tabulated(Table No. ~ )

Hand drawn figures of epidermal out growth and camera lucida

drawings of stomatal type and stomatal ontogeny is also given,

concerned with different taxa.

STUDIES AND OBSERVATIONS

Famil y Leguminosae : The plants of this family are widely

distributed. It is cosmopolitan in its distribution and ranks

second among the Dicot~Yledons. The family consists of about 500

genera and about 12000 species. It includes variety of habit and

habitat;s. The rang varies from Tree to shrubs and herbs, even

climbers and twin#ers are there in this family. Some are also

aquatic in habit.

In "Barda'· range, it is distributed at all the places and comes

out to be a dominant family having 33 species out of total 226

56

species recorded in the present investigation. Out of 33 total

availabel species, 10 commonly available prominant species are

selected for the epidermal studies. The total taxa of this family

are divided into three sub families.(l) Fabaceae (2) Cesalpinac-

eae (3) Mimoseae.

Majority of the tree species, studied in family Leguminosae are

hypostomatic while the nonwood taxa are amphistomatic. The mature

stomata are identified as paracytiuc, anisocytic and anomocytic,

Paracytic type is the most common in the family Leguminosae.

During the Study three ontogenetical types were observed. They

are (l)Eumesogenous (2), Hemimesogenous (3) Agenous.

The detailed studies type and measurement of Stomata and observa-

tion, (Species-wise) is tabulated (Table No.3) It is as under:-

Sub Family: FABACEAE V.N. "CHANOTHI"

(1) Abrus Precatorius A perennial twiner with slender and

terete branches. Leaves compound, parripinnate. Flowers in ra-

ceme. Flowers(Sept.Oct.) pink of light pink. Very common in

"Barda range" with thickly bushes of other plants.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells have sin~ate, curved to undu­~

late anticlinal cell wall pattern. Sinonsity more pronoun~ed.

Simple type of trichomes are observed on the leaf which are of

unicellular nature with slightly rounded base.

57

Stomata : The leaves are hypostomatic, as stomata are observed in

lower surface only. The mesogenous subsidiary cells usually equal

in size, flanked on two sides parallel to guard cells forming

paracytic stomata stomatal ontogency is mainly of Eumesogenous.

(2) Crotolaria Retusa Lin. : V.N. "GHUGHRA"

Hairy

or retuse.

obtuse small shrub, Leaves simple, oblong 1 anceol ate,

Stipules awl shaped. Flowers (Sept.-Oct.) many in

Saurashtra erect raceme, yellow with purple 'red tinge common in

and Gujarat.

Epidermal Study : On upper epidermis Idioblasts are very fre­

quent, distinct with wedge shaped encirculing cells. Surface wall

circular to avoid, angled. Hairs or trichomes are absent on the

upper epidermis while they are very common on lower epidermis.

Large and bulbous, usually occuring at bases, Surface wall of

lower epidermis circular to ellipsoidal much undulated.

Stomata : Stomata are observed on both the surfaces so the leaf

is Amphistomatic. Number of stomata, more on the lower surface

and they are smaller is size on upper surface all the stomata are

Anisocytic type while on lower surface 90% Stomata are of Anisoc­

cytic while 10% are of paracytic type.

Stomatal ontogency is more or less of Hemimesogenous type as one

or more mesogene are formed by the meristemoid and incompletely

surround the guard cells.

58

(3) MUCUNA PRURIENS D.C. V. N. "KAUCHA"

An extensive twiner. Leaves trifoliate, silky, stipules

lancealate. Leaflets rhomboid-ovate, oblique, mucronate. Flowers

(Aug-Dec.)6-30 flowered reacmes. Covered with persistent, irri-

tant hairs. Fruit Legume with 5-6 seeds. Medicinal plant, avila-

ble plant in hedges.

EPIDERMAL STUDY: The epidermal cells have sinuate, straight or

slightly curved, undulating cell wall pattern which determine the

shape of the cell. The sin~o~sity is more pronounced. Lower

epidermis papillose to sub.papillose. Unicellular trichomes are

present with pointed end, and round base.

Stomata Leaves are amphistomatic. The stomatal frequency is

higher on lower surface than on upper surface. on upper surface

all the stomata are paracytic while on lower surface some anomo-

cytic (10 to 20%) are found while 80% stomata are of paracytic

type.

In the young leaflets the meristemoids may be recognized by

having thick cytoplasm. The merestemoids may either file out

subsidiary cells or transformed pathways gurd cells. Thus three

different ontogentical pathways are observed. They are Eumesoge-

nous for paracytic stomata but hemimesogenous and ~enous for

anomocytic stomata.

(4) Pterocarpus Marsupium Roxb. : V.N. "BIYO"

A large deceduous tree, Leaves compound, leaflets 5-7. p(ate

59

waved. Flowers (May-June) yellowish in paniculate raceme. Fruit

pod with woody centre and waved membranous wing.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells have straight or sinuate cell

wall pattern hexagonal or isodiametric in shape. There are tri­

chomes on leaves, in shape of peltate glands which are muticellu­

lar and vertically spread on Epidermis.

Stomata Leaves are hypostomatic. Only lower surface shows

presence of stomata. There is no heterogeneity in Occu~4nce of

stomata. Almost all the stomata are of paracytic type. Two sub­

sidiary cells, mesogene agene in origin, equal or unequal in size

forming paracytic type of stomata. No modification observed in

this particular genus like other members of the family.

Sub Family: Caesalpiniaceae

This sub family of Leguminosae is typically distributed in tropi­

cal and warm -temperate regions of In"dia. In "Barda" area it is

largely represented by genus eassia. Cassia is the largest genus

which include 600 species(willis, 1973).Three commonly available

genus of eassia vix Cassia auriculata, Cassia fistula and eassia

tora are selected for spidermnal studies, stomal type and stoma­

tal ontogeny. Leaves of all the three genus are Amphistomatic.

Mature stomata are paracytic, Anomocytic and anisocytic. The most

common type of stomatal ontogency is f~emimesogenous, followed by

Eumesogenous and agenous.

(5) Cassia Auriculata Lin: V.N. "PILI AWAL"

Very common much branched shrub which occur's on both the sides

60

,

of main road and approach ways in "Barda" region. Leaves paripin­

nately compound. Leaflets 8-12 pairs each pair with an erect,

lin~ gland between them. Stipules large, leafy obliquely cordate

and reflex. Flowers all round the year. Yellow large, showy in

axillary recemes. Fruit flat pod, oblong, obtuse, depressed

between the seeds.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are rectangular to polygonal or

isodiametric in all the three species, wall of the epidermal cell

is undulated. Trichomes are observed on the upper surface of

leaf. It was unicellular with swollen tip, which might be due to

its secretary nature.

Stomata Paracytic type of stomata occur~ on both the surface

of leaf. It paracytic type, the two subsidiary celumay be equal

or unequal in size, but here they are usually equal so the onto­

gency is Eumesogenous. Over and above both cells completely

surround the guard cells and ~ originat.1 from the same

meristemoid as guard cells. Thus their origin is mesogenous but

total ontogency can be designated as Eumesogenous type.

(6) Cassia Fistula Lin. V.N. "GARMALO"

A small handsome tree. Leaves parripinnale stipules small, leaf-

lets 4-8 pairs, large ovate, acute base wedge shaped. Flowers

(Mar-July) in a nice, attractive drooming racemes, yellow, fra-

grant Fruit pods, long cylindric, pendulous indehiscent common at

the foot hills regions and on hilly tracks in "Barda" range. Also

planted on road sides as a showy avenue tree.

61

Epidermal Study: The wall of the epidermal cell is undulated.

Inclination of dulation occures frequently depending upon the

nature (old or young). Trichomes in form of pel late hairs with

globose glandular hairs occure on the lower surface of leaf more

in number than the upper surface.

Stomatal Study L Leaves are amphistomatic as stomata are present

on both the surfaces of the leaf. Ontogency of stomata is just

like othe genera mentioned above that is Hermimesogenous followed

by Eumesogenous.

(7) Cassia Tora Lin. : V.N. "KUVADIYO"

A small fetid herb which occures commonly as a weed every where

on waste land area in "8arda" Leaves paripinnate, leaflets 3-

pairs, obovate oblong. base rounded or oblique the lower pair the

smallest with a conical glandbetween them. Flowers(Aug-Oct) in

axillary pairs or the upper ones crowded. Flowers pale yellow.

Fruit pod, longand slender, 4-sided, sharp and pointed.

Epidermal Study: Nature of cell wall of epidermis is straight.

This is perhaps the exception as majority of the species show

wavy cells and dulation. Presence of trichomes in form of glandu-

lar hairs are observed on upper surface of the leaf. Leaf surface

covered with a white deposit of a wax like substance as experi-

enced with observation of epidermal cells.

• Stomatal: Stomata occures on both the surfaces of leaf. Thus it

is amphistomatic. Generally they are uniformly paracytic type but

out of 37 stomata, 2 gave appearance of anomocytic. Ontogency of

62

stomatal development is generally Eumesogenous where both the

subsidiary cells completely surround the guard cells and are

mesogenous in origin.

Sub Family Mimosae : This tropical and sub tropical family con-

sisting mostly of trees shrubs and a few herbs distinctly form

the thorny scrubby flora of "Barda" region. The leaves of certain

members of the family exhibit Sensitive movements. Distinctive

features are not numerous.

Glands occure on the leaves and petioles of most members of the

family secretary elements and Tannin is very common in the tissue

in all parts of the plant. Leaves are generally Hypostomatic

baring species like Acacia fernesiane which is Amphistomatic

possessing paracytic stomata on the upper surface and anisocytic

on the lower surface. Frequency of paracytic stomata is more

prevent. Ontogeny is of Eumesogenous in all 3 species where as in

genus Dichrostatchys it is hemimesogenous followed by Eumesoge-

nous.

, (8) Acacia Nilotica (Lin.) V.N. "BAWAL"

A savanna type small thorny tree, with black fissured bark.

Leaves bipinnate, main rachis hairy and with glands, leaflets

10-25 pairs, linner-oblong, stipules modified in to two big

spines. Flowers(Jan-July) yellow in globose heads. Fruit Monoli-

form pod, compressed grey downy 8-12 seeded.

It makes the main flora of "Barda" range as it is available at

many places as a thorny scrub vegetation.

63

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are broad with wavy anticlinal

cell wall. Upper epidermis comparatively thick. There are short

hemispherical papillated out growth on the lower side of the

leaf. Upper epidermis more smooth than the lower one. Glandular

hairs are observed in form of pel late branched hairs of tri­

chomes.

Stomata : Leaves are hypostomatic, as stomata are observed only

on lower surface of the leaf.Stomatal type is paracytic over all,

but in one specimen of the leaf Anomocytic stomata was also seen.

Probable raiot of paracytic to anomocytic was 30:1 ontogency of

stomatal development was Eumesogenous type as it occures in most

of the genus Acacia.

(9) Acacia Fernesiana Willd. V.N. "GANDHILO KHER"

It is a savanna small thorny tree. Branches slender. Spines

straight. Leaves bipinnately compound. Minute. Flowers(Jan-Nov.)

in globous head, bright, yellow small and sweet scented. Fruit

pod, cylindrical and curved with seeds embedded in a sticky pulp.

It is very common in "Barda" as thorny scrub vegetation.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells with wavy cell wall. Cells are

more broad with their anticlinal wall and more thickened. Glandu­

lar hairs present on the leaves. Hairs are with uniseriate stalks

and ellipsoidal multicellular head.

Stomatal Study: Leaves are small and tender. Amphistomatic on

upper surface all the stomata are of uniform pattern. They are

paracytic type while on lower surface the stomatal type is Aniso-

64

cytic. Stomatalontogency is Eumesogenous.

(10) Dichrostachys Cinera (Lin.) W.&A. : Y.N."MORDHUNDHIYUN"

Thorny shrub, 2-S mts tall, with grey or greyish-white longitudi­

nally tissured bark. Leaves bipinnately compound.l.S - 4.S cm

long. Leaflets 10-20 pairs. Flowers in beautiful spike 3-7cm

long. Half of the flowers pinky rose and half pake yellow, axil­

lary or extra axillary. Fruit pid, 3.S - S.S cm long, compressed

twisted, when mature dark brown, pubescent. It is available in

"Barda" range through outmore onhilly tracks, beginning portion.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are with wavy anticlinal wall.

Leaves surface pubsecent having long and thin trichome simple and

of non glandular nature.

Stomatal Study : Leaves are hypostomatic. Stomata on, only lower

surface of the leaves. Ontogeny of stomatal development is He­

mimesogenous followed by Eumesogenous type.

CUCURBITACEA Plants of this family are mainly found in the

tropical region. It contains 100 genera and about 800 species.

Mainly herbecious plants with watery juice. Prostrate or climbing

habit by lateral tendrils. Tentrils are either simple or branch­

es. Usually extra axillary, spirally coiled. In "Barda-region"

This family is represented by different 8 species out of total

226 species recorded in the present investigation. There are lot

of Trichomes right from simple branched toglandular and sec rea­

try. Leaves are Amphistomatic in majority of the species, worked

65

out. Stomata are comparitively larger. The size of guard cell is

34.2 u while size of pore cell is 20.7 u.

(ii) CUCUMIS SATIVUS Lin. V.N. ··KAKDI··.

An annual monecious climber. Hispid and hairy. Leaves large,

deeply chordate, 3-5 lobed hairy. Male flowers(Aug-Sept.) fasci­

cled yollow. Female flowers solitary. Fruit fleshy known as

··Pepo··.Available at many places in "Barda - region·· as a climber.

Epidermal Study: Leaf is dorsiventral cell wall of the pidermal

cell smooth. No dulation found in the epidermis but cell wall

could be observed with some thick deposition, sporadically. Hairs

or trichomes are observed on both the surfaces of leaf on upper

epidermis muticellular trichomes could be observed with multise­

riate stalk. While Glandular globose hair with uniseriate stalk

is also of common occurance.

Stomata : Leaves are Amphistomatic, but the stomatal frequency

more onlower surface on both the surfaces comparatively anomocyt­

ic stomata were observed. Stomata with single subsidiary cell

were also observed. The meristemoid could esily be recognised due

to dense contents and prominent nuclei. The general ontogeny of

the stomata observed was of agenous in nature in majority of the

species.

Family Rubiaceae: This family includes mostly woody plants or

herbs. It consists of 380 genera and about 4600 species. Its

distribution is in the tropical and frigid regions. Leaves are

opposite simple and usually cymose inflorescene. Flowers typical-

6G

ly bisexual, regular or irregular. Fruit capsule, berry or drupe,

rarely sorosis. This family is represented by seven species in

"Barda Region" which are commonly available out of which 2 spe­

cies are selected for epidermal studies. They are Amphistomatic

to hypostomatic. Trichomes are present, ontogey of stomata is

mesogenous.

(12) Gardenis rResinifera Roth. : A resinous tree of 3 10 6 meter

height, with greyish to light black smooth bark. Leaves simple

glabrous. Flowers white, fragrant, axillary or solitary. Fruit

ellipsoid, globose, smooth and glabrous. Available at many hilly

places in "Barda".

Epidermal Studies: Epidermal cells are strait-walled and simple.

Unicellular thickened trichomes measuriing 90 to 100 um. are

common on leaves.

Stomata : Leaves are amphistomatic on both the surface paracytic

stomata are observed. Ocassionally cyclocytic stomata are ob­

served too. Stomata are of very small size. the size of power

cell is smallest (betweem 6.1 to 8.2) ontogency of stomatal is of

mesogenous type.

(13) Mitragyna Parviflora (Roxb.) Korth : 8 to 10 meter tall,

deciduous tree. Bark grey smooth exfoliating in small scales.

Leaves simple, elliptic-oblong, ovate nearly glabrous. Flowers

white terning yellow in head. Fruit capsular, distinctly ribbed.

Available in the region near Kileshwar and Ghumli - temple.

Epidermal Studies : Epidermal cells are simple but some where

67

anticlinal walls show thickning. Unicellular uniseriate trichomes

are observed on upper surface of the leaf.

Stomata Leaves are hypostomatic type. Generally paracytic

stomata are observed on the abaxial side of the leaf. Stomata are

of small size. Ontogeny follows regular mesogenous type develop­

ment.

Family Asteraceae (Compositae) : This family consists of over

1000 genera and about 23000 species plants herbs or small shrubs.

Often with aromatic resing-ducts, Leaves alternate simple, ex­

stipulate. Flowers in typical capitulum or head inflorescence.

Presence of Ray-floret and Oisc.Florect. Fruit Cypsela with or

without persistant papus calyx. This family is represented by

some 5 species out of which 2 common by available species are

selected for epidermal studies.

(14) ECHINOPS EEHINATUS Roxb. V.N. : "SUOIO UTKANTO" A much

branched, rigid, spiny herb with spreading branches full of white

cottony hairs. Leaves sessile, oblong, deeply pinnatifid with big

spines. Flowers(Nov.-Jan) in big white balls, Spiny, solitary

head. Flowers bisexual all fertile. Fruit cypsela with pappus. It

constitutes a main spiny vegetation at many places in "Barda­

Region".

Epidermal Studies : Epidermal cells are hexagonal with smooth

margin. unicellular simple trichomes with thick base are observed

on both the surfaces of leaf but they are more in number on upper

epidermis.

68

•

stomata Leaves are hypostomatic. anomocytic stomata are ob­

served on lower surface of the leaf. Average size of Guard Cell

is 25.1 um, while that of pore is 13.00 um. Ontogeny of stomatal

type is mesogenouse.

(15) vernonia Cinera Less V.N."SAHADEVI"

A small annual herb stem hairy. Leaves simple alternate, ovate­

elliptic or lanceolate, hairy. Flowers{Nov-Feb) pinkish-violet in

small heads forming divaricate terminal corymbs. Fruit cypsela,

square oblong small and hairy. It is common everywhere as a weed

in the region. It is medicinal plant.

Epidermal Studies Epidermal cells are having

Thickness in anticlinal wall more pronounced.

peltate glandular trichomes are observed on upper

leaf.

wavy margin.

Multicellular

surface of

Stomata : Leaves are amphistomatic. On both the surfaces Anomo­

cytic

um.)

stomata are observed. Size of guard cells is bigger{26.6

while size of the pore is narrow (14.2 um) ontogeny of

stomatal type is mesogenous.

Family Asclepiadaceae : The family consist of 280 genera and

about 1800 species. It is mainly tropical. Perennial herbs or

shrubs, often climbing, with milky latex. Leaves oppsite decus­

sate, simple, exstipulate. Inflorescence cymose, racemose or

muble. Flowers regular, bisexual with corona. Pollen united in to

pollinia. Fruit a pair of follicles. Seeds comos with tuft of

silky hairs. This family is represented by 6 species out of which

69

•

2 very commonly available species are selected for epidermal

studies.

Trichomes consist mostly of hairy unicellular or unseriate but

unicellular hemispherical glands and hairs. Leaves are amphisto-

matico Generally paracytic or Diacytic leaves in upper epidermis

but anomocytic in lower epidermis.

Stomata comparatively of large size. Giant stomata reported in .

one genus(Leptadenia) for the first time during the investiga-

tion. Ontogeny hemimesgenous to agenous.

(16) Calotropis Gigantea R.Br. : V.N. "MOTO ANKADO"

A large much branched shrub Gregarious, young branches covered

with white silky hairs. Leaves opposite, decussate, obovate

elliptic-oblong. Flower(Jan-July) large purplish sometime white

inumbellate cymes. Fruit a pair of follicles. Seeds comose.

Occures at plain and foot-hills area in "Barda-Region".

Epidermal Studies Epidermal cells are wavy. However upper

epidermal cells shows less wavyness or strait walled. Mostly

unicellular and uniseriate trichomes are observed on upper epi-

dermis.

Stomata Leaves are amphistomatic. Upper epidermis shows.

Paracytic and lower epidermis shows anomocytic stomata. However

stomatal abnormalities in form of double paracytic stomata are

also observed in upper epidermis. Ontogeny of stomatal develop-

ment is hemimesogenous to agenous.

70

(17) Leptadenia Reticulata W. & A. V.N. "DOOr".

A twiner on the hedges. Occures often in wasteland in the area.

Leaves small, Coriaceous, ovate, acute, base rounded.

Flowers(June-Aug.) in small greenish-yellow umbellate, cyme. Many

flowered. Pollinia ovoid, Caudicles long Fruit follicle, smooth,

turgid, tapering to a short curved beak. Seeds comose.

Epidermal Studies The epidermal cells are hexagonal with

straight anticlinal and periclinal wall. The wall straition in

epidermal cells are more pronounced on abaxial surface than on

adaxial surface. The epidermal cells are larger in size on adax­

ial surface than abaxial surface simple unicellular trichomes are

observed on adaxial surface with uniseriate stalk.

Stomata Two types of stomata are observed on lower surface.

They are paracytic and cyclocytic while upper surface shows only

paracytic stomata. Giant stomata are observed on abaxial surface.

Giant stomata are earlier reported in family Apicynaceae(Karatela

8c Gi 11, 1982), in Rubi naceae (Tari q 8c Paul, 1985) and in rutac­

eae(Sitholey 8c Pandey, 1971) but in family Asclepiadaceae and in

species Leptadenia reticulata they are reported for the first

time, under the present investigation. The measurement of such

Giant stomata and normal stomata are as under. Giant stomata are

of Cyclocytic type.

71

5,~TEM[~T: Showing measurement of epidermal cells, normal stomata

and Giant Stomata.

(a) Normal Stomata

(i) Guard Cell (um)

(i i) Pore (um)

( iii) Count per field

(b) Giant stomata

(i) Guard cell(um.)

(ii) Pore (um)

Leaf Leaf

Adaxial Surface Abaxial Surface

25.5 um.

18.0 um.

view 17

(iii) Count per field view

48.0 um.

36.0 um.

02.

Ontogeny of normal stomata is hemimesogenous type while that of

Giant stomata is agenous type.

Family Convolvulaceae This family consists of 47 genera and

about 1100 species. Its distribution is mostly restricted to

tropical area. Generally annual or perennial herbs, often climb­

ing or twining to the left while some are parasites(genus cuscu­

ta). Leaves alternate, simple, exstipulate, Flowers(Aug-Dec.) is

solitary or Biparous Cymose. Fruit capsular, berry or pyxidium in

the area this family is represented by 7 species out of which 3

species are sleeted for epidermal studies.

72

5 (18) Ipomea oDcura Ke-Gawl V.N. "VAJUEL"

An annual glabrous herb with long hairy growth. Leaves simple,

-broadly ovate or nearly orbicular and glaborous. Flowers in

axillary or solitary cyme. Fruit capsular. It is available in the

area as a common hedge-plant.

Epidermal Studies: Epidermal cells are simple with angular cell

wall. Trichomes are observed on both the surfaces of leaf. Simple

type with long terminal cell is the general pattern of trichome.

Stomata Leaves are amphistomatic on upper side of the leaf

paracytic type of stomata are observed where as on lower side of

the leaf anisocytic stomata are observed. Ontogeny is either

Eumesogenous or hemimesogenous type.

(19) Ipom~ahederifolia Jacq. V.N. KALAKUNPA

Slender twining hurb. Leaves simple, ovate, glabrous,entire or

lobed. Flowers (Sept.) in lax, terminal umbellate cyme. Fruit

capsular. It occures on the hedges or on low shrubs or trees in

thick growth of foliar in the area.

Epidermal Studies: Epidermal cells are of bigger size on both

the surfaces of leaf. simple type of trichomes are seen, as

observed in the genus.

Stomata Stomata are observed on both the surface of leaf. They

73

are of paracytic type. The ontogeny is of Eumesogenous as shown

in the figure

(20) Merremia Tridentata Flallier V.N. "UNDERKANI"

A small creeping herb, rooting at nodes, hairy. Leaves ovate,

reniform, cordate and obtuse. Flowers(Sept.-Oct.) yellow axillary

or solitary on few flowered peduncles. Bracts small and hairy.

Fruit capsular sub globose. Seeds 4, dark coloured. Available in

water holes on black soil, specially in the holes of crevices on

fore front of hilly tracts with railway line, in the area.

Epidermal Studies : Epidermal cells with wavy or less smooth

~ margin of the cell wall. Trichomes are the regular fiture of this

genus. Spicular raw of the cells in form of branched simple hair

is observed on the upper and lower surface of the leaves. However

simple unbranched hairs are also observed.

Stomata : Leaves are amphistomatic on both the surfaces of the

leaves, paracytic stomata are observed. Frequency of stomata

however more on abaxial side than on adaxial side. Ontogeny of

stomatal type is Eumesogenous. Contagious stomata are also ob­

served in this species as shown in figure.

Family Solanaceae: This family consists of 85 genera and about

1800 species, which are distributed mainly in the tropics and

temperate regions. Plants belonging to this family are mostly

herbs and shrubs but rarely small trees or climbers. Leaves

alternate, simple entire or lobed exstipulate. Inflorescence

solitary terminal axillary or extra axillary cymes. Flowers

regular, bisexuals pentamerous, hypogynous having no bracts.

Fruit berry or capsule. This family is represented by 3 species

in the recorded total species in the area, out of which one

commonly available species is selected for epidermal studies.

(21) Withania Somnifera Dunal: V.N. "ASWAGANDHA"

A small hairy undershrub. Leaves ovate acute, entire hairy.

Flowers(Sept.-Nov.) in yellowish-green, umbellate cyme. Seed red

Berry enclosed in the inflated calyx. Seeds yellow. This plant is

commonly available at many places in the area particularly on

waste land at the plain area of "Barda Region"

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are with wavy margin. Cells of

the lower epidermis sometimes contain chlorophyll. Crystals of

various florms also appear in single form or in clusters. Multi-

cellular branched trichomes are seen on upper epidermis.

Stomata: Leaves are amphistomatic. Anomocytic and paracytic type

of stomata are observed. However anomocytic is more frequent.

Stomatal ontogenyis agenous type with anomocytic type stomatal

development.

seRa Family: APhulariaceae This family consists of approximately 205

genera and about 2600 species and are cosmopolitan in distribu-

75

•

tion, though mostly confined to temperate regions. Plants are

mainly herbs or under shrub, sometimes root parasite. Leaves

alternate, opposite or verticillate, exstipulate. Flowers irregu­

lar small or big in race mose spike or cymose solitary. Fruit

capsular or sometimes berry. This family is represented by 5

species in the area as noted in the check-list of total

available, out of which 2 species are selected for

studies.

Lindenbergia Indica O.Kuntze V.N. "BHINI CHATTI"

species

epidermal

A small glandular herb, growing on old walls of forts or old

ruins. Leaves opposite or upper alternate, ovate, acute, serrate

with glandular hairs. Flowers (Sept.-Dec.) in 1 or 2 axillary

cyme. Yellowish, Calyx bell shaped. Fruit capsular, many seeded .

Available on the old walls of Kileshwat Temple and on old walls

of Ghumli ruins.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells having wavy margin and irregu­

lar. Margins variable Epidermal hairs numerous and having consid­

erable diverysity in form, on both the surfaces of the leaves.

Non glandular hairs or trichomes mostly unicellular and uniseri­

ate. Some times trichomes observed as calcified.

Stomata Leaves are amphistomatic on both the surface of the

leaf, Anomocytic stomata are more frequent. However some 7 to

10%. Dicytic Stomata are observed on upper surface. Ontogeny of

stomatal development is Mesogenous type.

7£j

(23) Russelia Juncea Zucco V.N. "RASILI"

Much branched herb with phyllaclade, thick nodes, and whorled,

angled grooved pendulous branches. Leaves opposite or whorled, if

present, very small, often reduced to mere scales. Flowers(all

the year round) red in racemes of few flowered peduncles. Fruit

capsule, septicidal, many seeded. The plant is available at

Highness-palace and Kileshwar Temple in the pots and some grown

in special flower beds, in "Barda-Region".

Epidermal Study: Epidermal Cells are of bigger size, having wavy

margins. Glandular hairs or trichomes with unicellular stalk is

more common on upper epidermis. While simpletype of unicellular

trichomes are observed on lower epidermis.

Stomata : Leaves are Hypostomatic. No stomata observed on adaxial

side of leaf. It is smooth as shown in figure, while there are

all anisocytic stomata observed on abaxial side of leaf. Ontogeny

of stomatal development is of Mesodperigenous type.

Family Verbenaceae : This family consists of 80 genera and about

800 species. Species distributed in worm and temperate regions.

Plants are generally of various habits like herbs, shrubs, trees

or even climerbs. Often with square stem Leaves opposite or

whorled. Simple or palmately compound, exstipulate. Flowers

irregular, bisexual generally small in cymose, racemose or spi­

cate often with big bracts. Fruit a drupe mose berry or pyrene.

77

This family is represented by 4 species in the recorded list of

the plant, out of which 3 commonly available species are selected

for epidermal studies.

(24) CLERODENDRON INCRUME GARTN. V.N. "VANJAI"

A shrub with climbing habit. Leaves opposite, entire, elliptic or

obovate, obtuse, base acute. Flowers(Aug-Jan.) in few flowered

cyme. Flowers moderately big, white tube long, limb bilabiate.

fruit drupe, 4 lobed Pyrene. This plant occures in hedges of

thickly bushes in the area at hilly tracks. Very Common in the

way to Khambhala and

Ghumli.

'.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are pentagonal or hexagonal.

margins of the cells smooth. Hairs of many diverse kinds both non

glandular and glandular occures but most common trichomes are of

nuticellular branched type which occures on the adaxial side of

the leaf.

Stomata Leaves are hypostomatic, in the genus clerodendron

Stomata are mostly of anomocytic type. However irregularities in

stomatal occuranceis that at certain place two stomata are Juxta­

posed or superimposed. Ontogeny of stomatal development is me­

sogenous type.

78

(25) Lantana Camara Molden V.N."INDRADHANU"

)

t A commonly available weed at many places. shrub with many re-

curved prickles on the stem. Leaves opposite, ovate-oblong,

acute, serrate. Flowers through out the year, faintly odorous, in

ovoid heads with lanceolate, acuminate bracts. Fruit, Drupe 1,

Seeded Pyrene. It occures at many places in "Barda-region". At

plain region and at hill tops, along with other vegetation. At

some places it has suppressed the growth of other native plants.

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are irregular and having wavy

margin. here simple trichome of unicellular type with uniseriate

stalk appear on both the surfaces of leaf. Some trichomes of

multicellular origin and having bulbous base cell also occures

but they are very less in number.

Stomata Leaves are amphistomatic. On upper surface all the

stomata are of anomocytic type but on lower surface 75% stomata

are of anomocytic type while 25% stomata are of paracytic type.

Ontogeny of stomatal development is of perigenous type which is

in confirmity with the ontogeny of thewhole family of verbenac-

eae.

(26) VITEX NEGUNDO Lin. V.N. "NAGOD"

A small tree with square stem. White and hairy growth on the

stem. Leaves opposite, 3-5 foliate. Leafletspetioled, lanceo-

late, acute, terminal leaflet largest. Flowers(more or less

79

through out the year) in branched, hairy cymes, forming a large

terminal panicle. Bracts lanceolate caducous. Fruit drupe sur-

t rounded at the base bythecalyx. Highly useful medicinal plant

available at many places in "Barda Region". Specially at every

temple side in Khamabhala, Bileshwar,Kileshwar and Ghumli.

Epidermal Study : Epidermal cells are hexagonal with slightly

wavy margin. Unicellular trichomes of short conical hairs situat-

ed on the vertical division wall between adjoining epidermal

cells, occures on the abaxial side of the leaf while trichomes on

adaxial side of the leaf are simple unicellular.

Stomata L leaves are hypostomatic. Mixed type of stomata are

• observed on the lower surface of the leaf. 70% of them are Anomo-

cytic, 178% Oiacytic and 13% paracytic ontogeny is more or less

of perigenous type.

Family Lamiaceae (Labiateae) This family consists of 170 genera

and about 3000 species. Generally the plants of this family are

aromatic and found in warmer and temperate regions. There are no

tree habit but herbs and shrubs in this family. Leaves are simple

opposite or whorled, exstipulate, Aromatic with glandular hairs

containing essential old. Flowers in Terminal spicate cyme or

verticilaster. Petals tubular bilabiate. Fruit carcerule of 4

nutlets included withinthe persistent calyx. This family is

represented by 6 species available in the region, out of which 2

are selected for epidermal studies.

80

(27) LEUCAS ASPERA SPRENG. V.N. "KUBO"

An annual herb wth square stem. Leaves opposite, liner, oblong,

lanceolate, obtuse, entire or crinate. Subsessile. Flowers(Oct- ~

Nov.) Sessile in terminal and axillary whorls, bracts liner,

ciliate with long hairs. Flowers white, bilabiate. Fruit Nutlets

of 4, oblong and brown portion. Very common at many waste land

along with other vegetation in "Barda Region".

Epidermal Study : Epidermal cells are having wavy margin. The

anticlinal cell walls are thickened. Occurance of diverse kind of

clothing hairs appear on epidermis. The characteristic short

stalked glands with unicellular and multicellular heads are the

main trichome type in this genus.

Stomata Leaves are hypostomatic. Stomata occures on lower

surface of the leaf. They are Diacytic occasionally anomocytic

stomata are also observed but their ratio is significantly less.

More than three subsidiary cells of agenous occure forming anamo­

cytic stomata while hemimesogenous ontogenetic stomatal develop­

ment can be attributed to Diacytic type of stomata.

(28) OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM Lin. V.N."RAM TULSI"

A small shrub known as "Ram Tulsi" in "Barda-Region". It is

slightly bigger than ocimum sanctum(Tulsi) which is very common

plant, cultivated in pot or in a separate definate place known as

"KYARI". A much branched herb with square stem and simple small

leaves. Flowers(Sept.-Dec.) in raceme formed of many verticil­

lasters. Fruit nutlets.

81

, I

t -

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cell shows sinousity. It also shows

du1ation in anticlinal cell wall. Trichomes of varius types

occure on both the surfaces of the leaf. Multicellular short

stalked glandular hairs are of frequent occurens along with non

glandular simple unicellular one.

Stomata : Leaves are amphistomatic. Upper surface shows mostly

diacytic type of Stomata while on lower surface,anomocytic Stoma­

ta also occures along with diacytic Stomata. Ontogeny is agenous

with anomocytic stomata but hemimesogenous with diacytic Stomata.

Family Amaranthaceae : This family consists of

about 500 species chiefly found in the tropical

50 genera and

or subtropical

region. Mostly herbs of small size. Leaves alternate or opposite

simple, entire, exstipu1ate and hairy. Flowers in spike or race­

mose head, if cymose than panicle. Flowers small, Uri1 or bisexual

with scarious bractsand a pair of membranous, persistent bracfe­

oles. Perianth sepa1oid. Fruit anut, utricle or pyxis. This

family is represented by 6 species in Barda-Region,out of which 2

are selected for epidermal studies.

(29) DIGERA ARVENSIS Forsk. V. N. "KANAJARO"

A small, erect annual herb. Leaves ovate or elliptic, acute with

reddish margins. F1owers(Sept.-Dec.) sessile, in threes in axil­

lary spikes. Bracts and bracteo1es acute, persistant Perianth

rose coloured Fruit utricle globose.

A common weed occuring profusely in the whole of "Barda Region"

after rain in grass everywhere.

82

•

Epidermal Study : Epidermal cells are unequal and irregularly

elongated. No single type of hair is particularly widespread in

this genus, a part from uniseriate trichomes which frequently

form a dense, silky covering on both the sides of the leaves.

Stomata :Stomata are found on both the surfaces of the leaves,

since leaves are amphistomatic. They are of Anomocytic type.

Stomata are small in size. Occasionally contiguos stomata are

also observed at lower surface of the leaves. Outogeny is agenous

type with stomatal development.

(30) Aerva Lanata Juss V.N. "GORAKH BHANJO OR KAPUR I MADHURI"

Small, erect or prostrate hearb. Branched at base, hairy. Leaves

alternate, elliptic of abovate of sub orbicular, obtuse, entire,

Upper surface hairy, lower surface white with cotton-white hairs .

peteole short. Flowrs(Aug-Nov.) white,small, sessile in axillary

head or clusters of spikes. Fruit utricle. Seed black. A common

weed in the "Barda ARea" Medicinally important plant . •

Epidermal Study: Epidermal cells are irregular with considerable

sinuosity in the cell walls. Papillose, uniseriate armed "T"

shaped trichomes are observed on upper surface of the leaf.

However at lower surface trichomes ofunicellular simple round

base with pointed tip is also observed.

Stomata : Leaves are amphistomatic. Stomata are observed on both

the surfaces of th leaf, however their frequency is higher on

lower surf~. Stomatal type is anomocytic. Stomatal ontogeny is

agenous type as more than three subsidiary cells all agenous form

anamocytic type of stomata.

83

,~---------~.~----

EX~.ANATION OF FIGURE: 4 :

Different type of Epidermal Trichomes - I

A. Unicellular hair in Abrus precatorius.

B. Bigcelled trich~me in Crotolaria retusa.

C. Unicellular p0 nted hair in Mucuna pruriens.

D. Hair with globose head in Cassia auricu1ata and Cassia Fistula.

E. Short ha i r 10111:;/, both the ends swo 11 en in Cass i a tora.

F. Peltate multicellular trichome of Accacia ni10tica.

G. Multice11umcr trichome with bulbous head in Acacia farnesiana.

H. Unicellular hair pointed tip in Dichrostachys Cineria.

I. Peltate gland with spread-head in Pterocarpus marsopian.

J. Multiseriate hair of cucumis Sativus.

K. Glandular trichome with multicellular stalk in some genus of cucurbita.

L. Unicellular curved trichome in Gardenia resinifara.

t

c

13

F

~-== JOOODC

!

H

h: L

EXP~ANATION OF FIGURE : 5 : ----_._----------------------

Different t/pe of Epidermal Trichomes - II

A. Unicellular, Uniseriate tufted hair resinifera (Lower Epidermis).

of Gardenia

B. Unicellular, simple Trichome of Echinops echinatus.

C. Multicellular, Uniseriate, stalked, peltate glandular hair of Vernonia Cineria.

D. Unicellular, Uniseriate gigantea(White Variety).

Trichome of Calotropis

E. Simple type with long terminal cell type Trichome in Ipomea obscura.

F. Trichome with emarginata.

spicular raw of cells in Merrimia

G. Multiseriate, multicellular, non glandular Trichome in Withania Somr ifera.

H. Multicellular branched Somnifera(Up~er Epidermis).

Trichome in Withania

I. Glandular h3.irs with Unicellular stalk of short length in Russeli& Ju~cea.

J. Multicellular peltate, non Clerodendron inerme. glandular Trichome in

K. Multicellular short stalked, glandular hairin ocimum gratisimum.

L. Papillose, Uniseriate, armed (T-Shaped) Trichome in Aerva lanata.

Fig-s r .

B c

\-\ F

... '" . .

1..

E~PLANATION OF FIGURE : 6 :

Stomatal - types - I

A. Paracytic Stomata in Abrus precatorius (on lower surface of the leaf).

B. Anisocytic Stomata in Crotolaria Retusa (on lower surface of the leaf).

C. Paracytic Sto~ata in surface of the lear).

Pterocarpus marsupian(on both

D. Paracytic Stoma~a in Mucuna pruriens(on both surfaces of the leaf).

E. Paracytic S~omata in Cassia Auriculata(on both surfaces of the leaf).

F. Paracytic sotnata in Cassia fistula(on both surface of the leaf).

G. Paracytic stomata in Cassia tora(on both surfaces of the leaf).

H. Paracytic stomata in Acacia nilotica(on lower surface of the leaf).

I. Paracytic Stomata in Dichrostachys cineria(on lower surface of the leaf).

J. Anisocytic Stomata in Acacia farneciana(on lower surface of the leaf).

l

H

I

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE :7:

Stomatal types and development - II

Stomata ~'th single guard auricu1ata(Hagnified view).

ce 11 i f I cassia

General developing stages of s"Comata in Cassia Species.

General species.

jflve10ping

General developing Species.

General developing species.

stages of stomata in Cassia

stages of stomata in Cassia

stages of Stomata in Cassia

Developed anomocytic stomata and some surface

developing of Cucumis stomata in cucumis. (on upper

Sativus leaf).

Contiguous Stomata in cucumis Sativus(on lower surface of the leaf).

H. Anomocytic stomata and some irregular stomata in certain cUGlJmis species.

I. Paracytic bnd some anomocytic stomata in Gardenia Resinifera(on upper surface of the leaf).

J. Paracytic dr,d stomata in Mitragyna parvif10ra(on lower surface of I. he leaf).

K.

L.

Anomocytic !.tomata in surface of the leaf).

Echinops echinatus(on lower

Anomocytic Stomata in Vernonia cineria(on upper surface of the leaf).

M. Stomata in Calotropis gigantea(White variety).

101 1 . Paracytic , (on upper surface) 1012. paracytic,(on upper surface) M3. Anomocytic(on surface of the leaf).

Double lower

N. N1. Normal paracytic Stomata(on lower surface of the 1 eaf) .

N2. Giant paracytic Stomata(on lower surface of the leaf) in Leptadenia reticulata.

t

A

w w E

a

F

r

Fig-1

G

-.

L K

I

EXPLANATION OF FIGURE :8:

Stomatal types and Ontogeny - III

A. Anisocytic stomata in Ipomea obscura(on lower surface of the 1 ea f) . Note :Some stomata ~ith unequal guard cells.

B. Paracyt i c leaf) .

Stomata in Ipomea obscura(on upper surface of

C. Paracytic Stomata ir Ipomea hederifol ia(on upper surface of 1 ea f) . Note: Eumesogenous Ontogeny.

D. Ontogenetic stages of Stomata in Ipomea hederifolia(Eumesoge­nous) .

E. Paracytic Stomata in Merrimia Emarginata(on lower surface of leaf).

F. Contiguous Stomata(Magnified view) in Merrimia Emarginata(on upper surface of leaf).

G. Anomocytic Stomata in withania somnifera(on lower surface of the leaf).

I. Anomocytic Stomata in Lindenbergia Indica(on upper surface of 1 eaf) .

J. Anomocytic Stomata in Lindenbergia Indica(on lower surface of 1 eaf) .

K. Smooth Epidermis ~aving upper surface of leaf).

no stomata in Russelia Juncea(on

L. Anisocytic Stomata 1 eaf) .

in russelia Juncea(on lower surface of

M. Anomocytic Stomata in Clerodendron inerme(on lower surface of leaf). Note: Two stomata are Juxtaposed or superimposed.

N. Anomocytic stomata in Lantana Camara (on upper surface of leaf).

O. Diacytic Stomata in Ocimum gratisimum(on lower surface of leaf). Note: some developing stomata are also observed.

P. Anomocytic stomata in Aerva lanata(on lower surface of leaf).

Fig-8

~ ... f} . . .

·~~::·~r···,

r: c. s A

F

:r.. K

o p

TABLE No: :3

Tabulated presentation of Stolatal type, stolatal measurenent and ontogeny of various Taxa selected for epiderlal studies.

t- -----------------------------------------------------------------~~-~:-------------------;----------------------------------. Sr.No. Nale of the Plant Family leaf surface Stoutal Stomatal - FreQuency Ontogeny Types Heasure.ent Field Ire! .. (Guardce Il Pore)

(UI) ------------------------------------------------._--------------------------------------------------------------------------01. Abrus prec!torius Fabaceae 20.3 11. 1 22 Eumesogenous

lower Epidmis Paracytic

02. Acacia farnesian! Hilosae Upper Epiderlis Pafacytic 20.2 8.! 35 EUiesogenous lower Epidmis Anisocytic

03. Acacia nilotiea Hilosae 17 .1 6.9 40 !umesogenous lower Epiderlis Paraeytie 8c

Anisocytic

04. Aerva hnats Alaranthaeeae Upper Epiderlis Anolocytic 22.1 12.2 32 Agenous lower Epiderlis Anomocytic

05. Calotropis gigantea Asc I ep i adaceae Upper Epidmis P!racytic 22.5 11.0 21 Hemimestgeno lower Epidmis Ano.ocytie I Agenous

~, 06. Cassia auriculata Ceasalpiniaceae Upper Epiderlis Paracytic 19.8 8.t 31 EUlesogenollS lower Epiderlis Paracytic

01. Cassia fistula Ceasalpiniaceae Upper Epidmis Paracyt ic 18.2 1.8 22 Hemi lBSogenous lower Epiderlis Paracytic fol lowed by

Eumesogenous I Agenous

08. Cassia tora Ceasalpiniaceae Upper Epiderlis Paracyt i c 20.5 1.6 32 Eumesogenous lower Epiderlis Parlcytic

09. Crtotaria ret usa Fabaceae Upper Epiderlis Anisocytic 20.8 10.3 31 Helilesogenous lower Epidermis Anisocytic Bc

I Paracyt i c

10. Cuculis sativus Cucurbitaceae Upper Epidmis Anolocytic 34.1 20.1 23 Agenous lower Epidmis AnoMcytic

11. Clerodendron inermed Verbenaceae 36.2 14.B 22 Perigenous lower Epiderlis Anomocytic

12. Oichrostachys cineria HilOsae 21.1 24.5 21 HeMineso,enous lower Epiderlis Paracytic followed by

~ Eumesogenoul

84

13. Olgera arvensis Amaranthaeeae Upper Epidmis Ano.oertie 26.2 14.3 28 Agenoul lower Epiderlis Anoloeytie

~ 14. Eehinops eehinatus Asteraeeae 25.1 13.2 22 Mesogenous lower EpiderMis Anomoeytie

15. Gardenia resinifera Rubiaeeae Upper Epiderlis Paraeytie 19.2 8.1 2. Mesogenous lower Epiderlis Paraeytic

16. Ipomea hederifolia Convolvulaeeae Upper Epiderlis Paraeytic 26.4 20.1 28 Eumesogenous lower Epidermis Paraeytie

11. Ipomea obseura Convolvulaeeae Upper Epiderlis Paraeytic 32.6 18.5 30 EUlesogenous lower Epidmis Anisoeytie I Helimesogenous

18. lantana camara Verbenaceae Upper Epiderlis AnoMcytic 3U 14.2 22 Perigenous lower Epiderlis Anoloeytic

19. leptadenia reticulata Asclepiadaceae 25.5 18.0 11 Hemil9osgenous lower Epidmis Paracytic I to Agenous

Cyclocytic

20. leucas aspera lamiacm 28.2 16.4 28 Hemilesogenous lower Epidermis Oiacytic

'""-, 21. lindenbergia indica Scrophulariaceae Upper Epidermis Ano.oeytic 20.8 12.6 34 MlSogenous lower Epidermis Anomoeytic

22. Merrilia emarginata Convoluulaeeae Upper Epidermis Paraeytie 26.4 11.5 26 EUMlogenous lower Epidermis Paraeytic

23. Mitragyna parviflora Rubiaeeae 35.2 14.4 32 Mesog,nous lower Epidermis Paracytie

24. Mucuna pruriens fabaeeae Upper Epidmis Paraeytie 33.5 18.1 26 EUiesogenous lower Epider.is Paraeytie 8e Heaimesogenous

Anomoeytie I Agenous.

25. Oeimum gratisimul laliaceae Upper Epidermis Oiacytie 30.1 17.2 27 Hemimesogenous 8e lower Epiderlis Oiaeytic 8e I Agenous

Ano.ocytic

26. Pteroearpus marsupium fabaeeae 22.2 18.5 21 M,sogenous I lower Epidermis Paraeyt i e I Ageneus

27. Russelia juncea Serophulariaeeae 22.3 18.2 24 Mesoperigenous lower Epidermis Anisocytic

28. Vernonia cineria Asteraeeae Upper Epidmis Anomocytic 2&.6 14.4 27 Mesoperigenous \ lower Epidermis Anomoeytic ~

.' 85

29. Vitex negundo Verbenaceae 32.6 13.8 28 lower Epidmis Anomocyt ic, Perigenous

Oiacytic I

r Paracytic

30. Withania sOlnifera Solanaceae Upper Epider.is Paracytic 30.4 14,2 28 Agenous lower Epidermis AnolOcytic

,

~.

8G

t

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Epidermal morphology is used as a reliable character to differen­

tiate various taxa of the plant families. Foliar epidermis and

its out growths, Trichomes and stomata of some 30 plants belong-

ing to 13 different families are totally worked out.

The significance of trichome types has been widely emphasized as

one of the important taxanomic tool by various workers like

Martin and Juniper(1970); Heywood,(1971); Metcalf and Chalk,

(1950), Ramayya, (1969) and Anderson(1982). Trichomes have been

successfully used in the classification of genera and species in

certain families like Tiliaceae. Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae and

Urticaceae. Plants of many families like curcubitaceae, Asclepia-

1_ daceae, verbenaceae, Solanaceae, Urticaceae and Euphorbeaceae are

best known for their trichomes type. Both glandular and non

glandular foliar trichomes are worked out. In all the 3 sub

families of Leguminosae showed simple unicellular trichomes which

followed by multicellular trichomes in organizationally other

advanced families and their taxa. There were var.iety of trichomes

observed in the taxa of family cucurbitaceae in the genus cucu-

mis. Obvious swollen head on the multicellular stalk represented

glandular type of trichome. Here unicellular trichomes were found

mixed with the specific multicellular. Range of trichomes found

to be very vast. In the plant of Malvaceae and Tiliaceae from

Malvales, more complexed type trichomes were observed like uni-

~ cellular simple to multicellular with diversed shape and size.

Some with simple pointed and and some with curved tip with thick

87

---~

basal wall or some with 6-9 celled with Uniseriate nature, having

variation in apical cell. R.Sharma(1990) divided the trichomes of

Ti1iaceae into 12 groups which includes metcalf and cha1k(1950),

6 Types of hairs viz, unicellular, uniseriate, stellate, tufted,

pe1tate and glandular in family Ti1iaceae. At least six type of

Trichomes were observed in the present investigation.

tion of trichome feature was also found as varied

parameter in family Euphorbiaceae where even biseriate

1u1ar trichomes were found. Multicellular glandular to

Configura­

and vivid

multice1-

unice11u-

1ar, simple is the ultimate range of trichomes. Emergence of

glandular trichome with stinging hairs in family urticaceae

establishes a gradual, up trend evolutionary development having

taxonomic value.

Stomata is also a part of epidermis. The different type of stoma-

ta show a

proposed

stomatal

definite constancy in different groups of plants

by Guyot(1971), and Stace(1965). The significance

types and the pattern of its ontogency, is useful

as

of

in

tracin9 the phy10gency of many taxa. Present investigation in­

cluded 30 taxa of about 13 families of Dicot. Inspite of diversi­

ty of stomatal types on the same leaf surface of a taxon, the

paracytic type of stomata constitute 70%, followed by Anomocytic

15% Anisocytic 10% and Diacytic 5% in the present investigation.

In family like Leguminoseae and Rubiaceae Paracytic stomata was

more dominant, while in the family Ameranthaceae. Scrophu1arias­

eae and convolvulaceae, Anomocytic type of stomata were found to

be of more frequest appearance. The largest Guard cell length

88

\

could be observed in Verbenaceae family (lantana Camara) while

smallest size was observed in family Mimosae(Acacia nilotica}

considering Frequency/field view area, the smallest stomata were

observed in family Rubiaceae(Gardenia resinifera} while largest

stomata (Known as Giant Stomata) were observed in family Ascle

piadeaceae(leptadenia reticulata}. Taxa of cucurbitaceae family

also showed fairly larger stomatal apperatus. In 60% of the total

taxa worked out, the leaves were found Amphistomatic, followed

by Hypostomatic and rarely epistomatic.

Plants having tree habit showed more Amphistomatic nature of

foliage leaves, whole herbs shrubs and twiners showed Hypersto-

matic foliage, Purely Oiacytic Stomata were rare(In

on the contrary they were observed with either

Anisocytic type stomata, as mixed type.

verbenaceae}

Paracytic or

Stomatal ontogency showed variation in the various taxa, studied.

Eumesogenous type development of stomata particular with paracyt­

ic type was found much more frequent. It is perhaps of regular

occurance in majority of the taxa of family leguminoseae that

Paracytic type of stomata with Eumesogenous followed by Hemime­

sogenous ontogency were observed commonly, while hemimesogenous

ontogency followed by Eumesogenous and sometimes agenous type was

observed in sub family Mimosae(Cassia Fistula}. In the same

family age no us type was observed with sub family Fabaceae(Ptero­

carpus} Perigenous ontogeny was also observed in

compositae(Eclipta alba}, Verbenaceae(lantana Camara and vitex}

and lamiaceae(ocimum basil1icum}. While mesoperigenous type

89 VJ

ontogeny was observed in the plants of family Schrophulariaceae

(Russelia Juncea). In family Asteraceae(Vernonia and Echinops)

~- the development of anomocytic stomata is of perigenous type. The

ontogency of Anisocytic and Diacytic stomata is found to be of

mesogenous type in most of the taxa, investigataed, as the

subsidiary and guard cells arise from the same meristemoid. At

the same time some peculiar stomata with single subsidiary cell

(In the taxa of family verbenaceae and Asteraceae) show no defi­

nate association with other ontogenetic type except meaogenous.

This can possibly lead to chalk out morphogenetic-grouping of

stomatal ontogenetic type by some workers(Bhatt & Inamdar, Kara­

tela and Gill etc.)

Considering general pattern of ontogency with development of

stomatal type in the present investigation, following different,

commonly observed ontogenetic pathways can be summerized as under

(1) Eumesogenous ontogenetic type was most common with paracytic

stomata.

(2) Hemimesogenous and agenous for Anomocytic Stomata.

(3) Mesogenous for Anisocytic and Diacytic stomata.

Though it depends upon the division of stomatal meristemoid, to

decide the ontogenetic type, as mentioned in the introduction,

yet the common observation in different taxa of various families

studies, more or less fits in to the main ontogenetical pathways

mentioned above.

90

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..

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL-STUDIES

, SR. NO. --------

SUBTITLES PAGE NO. --------- ---------

(1) INTRODUCTION TO PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STUDIES 91

(2) MATERIALS AND METHODS 93

(3) MAIN FOREST TYPES OF 'BARDA' AND ITS 97 VEGETATION.

(4) EFFECT OF BIOTIC FACTORS ON VEGETATION 111

(5 ) COMMUNITIES AND ASSOCIATIONS 106

(6) QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF VEGETATION 122 i) Details of the Quadra~tes, studied. 123

ii) Tabulation of the Quaora~tes. 124 iii) Calculations and findings. 127

(7) WILD LIFE OF 'BARDA' REGION 128

(8) DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS. 133

INT ,:)OUCTION TO PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL STII'JlES --- .... _------------------------------- .. _--

\ Plants and plun: communities are the products of ecological

conditions under' which they grow. It is an assemblage with unity

of taxonomic composition, having relatively an uniform appearance

V.E.Shelford, (1932). While Benton and Werner (1974) put it to

be, consisting o~ all the organisms living together into an

interrelated fashion in a given environment. E.P.Odum (1971)

accept plant community as a taxonomic composition but adds to it

with a definite trophic organization and metab~lic uattern.

F.E.Clements (1938) considered the plant community <s an organism

with a definite !pecies compositon and life histcry. EJropean

ecologists specia' ly under the leadership of Braun ~lanquet have

developed systerdf of description and classification of

communities and this aspect of ecology known as

phytosociology. (f<.S.Ambasht, 1969). Plant community as an

unified entity comprises of various and different plants

co-existing in form of Herbs, Shrubs, Trees, Climbers, Twinners,

Epiphytes and even parasites. They collectively co-habitate in a

definite environment, not only that but form various associations

like lower to lower plant and lower to higher plant as well.

These are all biotic factor but in natural condition abiotic

factors also affect them. So in a abroad biological spectr"um of

different life forms in any floristic community. planLs are

studied communitY-Jise under the caption of Phyto~ociology and

the study of plant communities of a definite area with its over

all aspect of flo-isitic composition and

(\1 .-, I

its qualitative and

\

•

)

quantitative ~nalysis is envisaged under a co~orehe'liive study,

depicting t,nEir characters like physiognomy, da,sity, abundance,

frequency, associations of various floristic components along

with its ott13r biotic (micro and mega organisms, animals and

birds) and abiotic factors come under the preveiw of phytosocio­

logical studies. Though the historical account is not so old and

ample comparing to other aspect of ecology most of the time

phytosociological studies were included in floristic work of

qualitative type.

Present investigation includes studies under phytosociology

viz-a-viz composition and analysis of vegetat~')n of Barda-Hills

both qualitatively and quantitatively where th~ florIstic compo­

sition of the ~lants at different strata are cc~sidered. Various

life forms, their sociability and different type of associations

are worked OJ';. In qualitative data, character's like occurrence

of the plants ~heir density, abundance and frequency are consid­

ered. Rand0m sampling of plants from different regions like

Hill-Top, foot Hills and plain area are quantitatively analysed

with the help of quadrate method. Seasonal changes and periodici­

ty of the plants along with its abiotic and biotic factors are

also mentioned. Summations of all the findings is broadly accomo­

dated in conclusion. Tables, charts and photographs are supplied

as and when needed to consolidate available oata, during the

course of studt.

92

MATERIALS AND METHODS ( FOR DEl'EXlTION OF LEXlTINS )

\ As phytosociology is concerned with the quantitative character-

composition of vegetation of a particular area, Raunkaier's

method (1934) is adopted for frequency (~). Abundance and density

analysis. For the said purpose different quadrate in different

zones were randomly laid.

For trees and shrubs the size of the quadrate was fixed 10x10

mts., where as for herbacious composition of vegetation it was

fixed 1x1 mt. For all the cases 10 quadrates were laid in differ-

ent zones, areawise and the results were tabulated. The formulae,

observations and results are shown in the proceeding pages

through tables ~ tol~ ..

Associations of different plants viz. lower to lower, lower

to higher and higher to higher were recorded. Even association

between plants and animals were also considered. They were tabu-

lated and photographed which are depicted in different snaps.

Parasites, semiparasites and epiphytic plants were given due

consideration.

Homogeneity and hetrogeneity of the vegetation are determined

following the formulae given by Raunkiaer whereever necessary and

feasible. Phytosociological data were obtained in different

seasons in different field trips specially during the period of

premonsoon, mid monsoon and post monsoon. Video cassettes of

certain prominent places in terms of luxuriant vegetation, were

shooted, like khambhala and Dam area, kileshwar and animal sanc-

93

)

tuary in different seasons so that the overall idea of vegetation

type can best be built up ecologically and phytosociologically.

Though it is a novel idea but could be worked out very success­

fully. In my opinion it is live and viable documentation of the

site.

94

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