Leaf epidermal and petiole anatomical features as taxonomic characters in some Vernonia species in Nigeria

Foliar and petiole micro-morphological characteristics of some members the genus Vernonia namely; amygdalina Del. (bitter variety), (non-bitter cinerea (L) Less., galamensis (Cass.) adoensis Sch. Bip. in Jos, Nigeria was investigated to provide additional characters support existing taxonomic information regarding species. Epidermal peels fresh leaves were made transverse sections petioles cut using a rotary microtome. Staining done Safranin slides observed light microscope. Quantitative measured subjected Duncan Multiple Range Test. Stomatal distribution amphistomatic except for V. with hypostomatic distribution; stomata type mostly anomocytic paracytic stomata. Stomata index varied among taxa variety) having highest (10.84 %) lowest (0.67%) respectively. Anticlinal cell wall patterns straight slightly undulate while wavy anticlinal pattern diagnostic cinerea. Trichome types glandular multicellular uniseriate trichome indices recorded (2.80%) (0.02%) Petiole outline convex concave, epidermis uniseriate, vascular bundles bicollateral. Variations stomatal complex, epidermal outline, vasculature type, could be employed species identification delimitation.