Leaf Epidermis of some Ploygonum Species (Polygonaceae in Thailand)

Abstract

The leaf epidermis of five sections in 16 taxa of Polygonum L. in Thailand is investigated to determine its taxonomic significance. The results show that the specimens are divided into two groups using the stomatal types. The first group is distinguished by tetracytic or both tetracytic and anisocytic stomatal types, which are found in five taxa of sections Bistorta and Cephalophilon. The second group is characterized by paracytic or both paracytic and anisocytic stomatal types, which are found in 11 taxa of sections Avicularia, Echinocaulon and Persicaria.