Systematic studies on Asteraceae in the northern region of Bangladesh

Systematic investigation on the family Asteraceae (Compositae) growing throughout in the northern region of Bangladesh was carried out. A total of 36 species under 29 genera of the family Asteraceae were collected and identified. A complete taxonomic account of each species has been given along with their current name, local name, brief description, phenology, basic chromosome number, anatomy and voucher number. Among the recorded species, both anomocytic and anisocytic stomata were found in 21 species; anomocytic stomata in 10 species; anisocytic stomata in 3 species; anomocytic and paracytic stomata were found in 1 species; anomocytic, anisocytic and paracytic stomata were found in 1 species. Out of the 36 species, stomata were found to be present both on the upper and lower surface in 33 species and only on lower surface in 3 species. Three types of trichomes, i.e. non-glandular multicellular, non-glandular unicellular and glandular multicellular trichomes were recorded. Non-glandular multicellular trichome was found in 25 species, nonglandular unicellular in 1 species and glandular multicellular trichome was found in 1 species. Trichomes were absent in rest of the species. Finally, a new system of classification of the family Asteraceae has been proposed on the basis of morphological, anatomical, cytological and floral characters.