Leaf surface morphology and anatomy of some species of Leeaceae in Thailand

Abstract

Leaf surface anatomy and morphology in seven taxa (15 samples) of Leeaceae in Thailand was studied using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) respectively. The results showed that types of trichome, types of stomata, types of crystal and shape of epidermal cell were investigated anatomically. Anomocytic stomata, raised stomata, druses crystals are dominant characteristics in all studied taxa and samples. These anatomical data could not be used for species identification; however, the plants could be grouped based on shape of epidermal cell, cell wall of epidermal cell, cutin and cuticle.