PJB-2023-401
LEAF MICROMORPHOLOGICAL ADAPTATIONS AND ECO-TAXANOMIC OUTLOOK OF SELECTED ADIANTUM SPECIES FROM POONCH, AJK PAKISTAN
MUHAMMAD FARAZ KHAN
Abstract
Leaf micromorphological characters of the genus Adiantum L. were studied using standard protocols of light microscopy (LM). The study was aimed at investigation of morpho-anatomical variation in three species of genus Adiantum viz A. capillus veneris, A. venustum and A. incisum sampled along the altitude. Stomatal density, number, type of subsidiary cells, stomatal complex type and stomatal index were studied. Results revealed that leaf length decreased with increase in altitude. Unweighted paired group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) was used to examine the relationship among the species. A. capillus veneris was found to be the most adapted species showing epistomatic, hypostomatic and amphistomatic leaf types making a separate yet complex lineage compared to other two species. Hypostomatic and amphistomatic leaf type were found in A. vensutum with an intermediary taxanomic position whereas A. incisum was found to be restricted only to hypostomatic leaves. A.capillus veneris usually thrives in areas of lower altitude, while the occurrence of A.venustum as well as A. Incisum in higher altitudes reveals a narrow range of adaptations for the latter. Moreover, absence of stomata on abaxial surface in both A.venustum as well as A.incisum indicates the closer relationship of these two species with ambient ecological conditions on higher altitude. Variations in stomatal types within and among the species confirm that stomatal density and complex type are key factors for species delimitation.
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