Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
Petiole anatomy to delimit taxonomy of genus Glochidion J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. (Phyllanthaceae)
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Research Articles | Published: 29 August, 2025
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Keywords: Petiole, Anatomy, n Glochidionn , Taxonomy, Phyllanthaceae
Abstract
A comparative study of the petiole anatomy of 10 taxa of the genus Glochidion J.R. Forst. & G. Forst. of the family Phyllanthaceae was carried out to examine variations in the petiole anatomy that might be useful in identifying and classifying the various species. The transverse section of the petiole was done by following standard methods. The result showed variations ranging from circular to shield-shaped or entire in the outline of the petiole. The characteristics, viz., number and arrangement of vascular bundles and presence or absence of glands, crystals, and epidermal hairs, are particularly useful. Based on these characters a dichotomous taxonomic key was provided for identification of taxa. All the taxa have crystals and patches of sclerenchymatous cells around the vascular bundles, providing diagnostic features. The variations observed included the petiole outline, vascular bundle arrangement, hypodermis, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, crystal types, presence or absence of glands, and trichome types. These characteristics signify the relationships among each taxon and offer insights into delineating taxa.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Bodoland University, Assam, India