LEAF MICROMORPHOLOGY OF SELECTED COASTAL PLANT SPECIES IN COASTAL AREA OF TELUK KETAPANG IN KUALA TERENGGANU
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46754/Keywords:
Epidermal cells, light microscope, stomata density, stomata index, trichomeAbstract
Leaf micromorphology can play a significant role in plant taxonomy by effectively resolving taxonomic issues among different plant species. Nevertheless, studies on the leaf micromorphology of coastal plants are limited. Accordingly, this study aimed to examine the leaf micromorphological features of plant species commonly found in Teluk Ketapang, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, a coastal area. The seven species studied were Terminalia catappa, Vitex rotundifolia, Scaevola taccada, Canavalia rosea, Dodonaea viscosa, Calotropis gigantea, and Ipomoea pes-caprae. Four characteristic differences were examined: Stomatal types, trichomes, epidermal cell shapes, and anticlinal wall patterns. Three stomatal types were identified: Paracytic, anomocytic, and diacytic. Paracytic stomata were found on both the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces of C. rosea, I. pes-caprae, and C. gigantea. In contrast, anomocytic stomata appeared on the abaxial surface of D. viscosa, S. taccada, and T. catappa, with no stomata on the adaxial surface. V. rotundifolia uniquely displayed diacytic stomata on the abaxial surface. Regarding trichomes, only non-glandular trichomes were observed, with C. rosea possessing cylindrical trichomes on both leaf surfaces. Meanwhile, T. catappa and V. rotundifolia indicated falcate and unicellular trichomes, respectively, on the abaxial surface. Epidermal cells in both the adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the species studied were polygonal or irregular, with straightcurved or sinuous anticlinal walls. Taken together, the distinct micromorphological characters observed among the studied species demonstrate that leaf micromorphology provides reliable supplementary taxonomic evidence for identifying and differentiating coastal plant species. It also contributes to improved species delimitation in coastal floristic studies.
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