Light microscopy of Pakistani Berberis leaf cuticles and its taxonomic implications. Issue 5 (25th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saeed‐ur, Rahman; Khan, Shujaul Mulk; Ahmad, Mushtaq; Zafar, Muhammad; Khan, Raees; Khalid, Muhammad; Nan, Hui; Jan, Farooq; Kayani, Sadaf‐Ilyas; Hussain, Sajad
• Is Part Of: Microscopy research and technique. Volume 83:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 541
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2020-01-25
• Subjects: Berberis genus -- foliar anatomy -- microscopic techniques -- taxonomic significance; Electron microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; 502.825
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-910X

Abstract

Abstract: Taxonomy of the genus Berberis is quite complex, due to overlapping morphological characters, making it very difficult to differentiate the species within the genus. In order to resolve this taxonomic complexity, the foliar anatomy of 10 Berberis L. species was carried out, for the first time from Pakistan, using light microscopy (LM). Significant variation in terms of epidermal cells shape, size, cell wall pattern, and stomata type was observed. B. baluchistanica has the largest epidermal cells, Adaxial: length = 45–(53.9 ± 3.6)–62.5 μm; and width = 22.5–(26.3 ± 1.3)–30 μm; Abaxial: length = 37.5–(43.25 ± 2.5)–50 μm; and width = 20–(22.6 ± 0.8)–25. The highest number of stomata was observed in B. glaucocarpa as 62 on the abaxial surface while the lowest number of stomata was recorded in B. baluchistanica as 8 on the adaxial surface. Of 10 investigated species, 6 possess anomocytic type stomata, while 2 species that is, B. aitchisonii and B. parkeriana have both anomocytic and anisocytic stomata while B. baluchistanica and B. calliobotrys have only paracytic type stomata. The highest number of cells per unit area was present on the adaxial surface of B. calliobotrys ranging from 245–(252.4)–260 followed by B. parkeriana with 209–(227.8)–250 on the abaxial surface. Stomatal index (SI) also varied considerably and was the lowest (2.6) percentage in B. baluchistanica and highest (31.9) percentage in B. kunawurensis . A taxonomic key based on micro‐morphological characters is provided for species identification. Abstract : Light microscopic investigation of the foliar epidermal micro‐morphology of 10 Pakistani Berberis L. species is reported for the first time. The investigated characters were found useful to resolve the taxonomic complexity of the genus.