PJB-2025-174
USING LEAF EPIDERMAL CHARACTERS TO IDENTIFY AND DIFFERENTIATE FORMS IN THE DURANTA ERECTA COMPLEX (VERBENACEAE)
Abdulquadri Sagaya
Abstract
Duranta erecta L., commonly known as ‘Golden Dewdrop’ or ‘Skyflower’, is a widely cultivated ornamental shrub valued for its aesthetic appeal in various regions, including Nigeria. However, its taxonomy and nomenclature have been subject to considerable ambiguity. This study examines the leaf epidermal morphology and stomatal characteristics of eight distinct forms of D. erecta (Thorny Green, Yellow Bush, Plain Yellow, Broad Green 1, Broad Green 2, Green Bush, Variegated Yellow, and Variegated White) to assess their taxonomic relevance. Freshly collected leaves were used to prepare temporary and permanent slides of both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Standard anatomical techniques were employed for both qualitative and quantitative analyses, and photomicrographs were captured using a light microscope fitted with an Amscope digital camera. All forms were found to be hypostomatic, with stomata restricted to the abaxial surface. The epidermal cells were generally irregular, except in Variegated Yellow, which displayed pentagonal cells on the adaxial side. Anticlinal walls ranged from straight to curved and sinuate. Anisocytic stomatal complexes were common across all forms, with additional tetracytic and paracytic types present in some. Both multicellular peltate glandular and unicellular non-glandular trichomes were observed, predominantly on the abaxial surface. Quantitative data revealed significant inter-form variation in stomatal density, stomatal index, epidermal cell size, and trichome density. Yellow Bush and Plain Yellow had the highest stomatal densities, while Green Bush and Variegated White had the lowest. Broad Green 1 exhibited the largest epidermal cells, whereas Green Bush had the smallest. Trichome density was highest in Yellow Bush and lowest in Variegated Yellow. These anatomical differences highlight the taxonomic utility of leaf epidermal and stomata features in distinguishing forms of Duranta erecta.
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