Nodal and Petiolar Anatomy of 16 Species of Indian Sterculiaceaeand their Systematic Relevance

摘要

A comparative study on nodal and petiolar anatomy was undertaken for 16 Indian species belonging to 11 genera of the family Sterculiaceae to assess anatomical variations which may be useful in species identification and to evaluate their significancein the taxonomy of the family in general. The nodal configuration is trilacunar three traced without showing any variation. The stipular traces originate as branches from the lateral traces. The number and arrangement of vascular bundles at different elevations of the petiole, particularly at proximal, middle and distal regions though show considerable variations among the species but remain structurally similar within the species. The proximal configuration is recognized nere as the "stable zone" as itshows least variation in case of studied taxa and can be used as taxonomic marker.