Results

Section A: Morphological Characters

Genus (1): Bauhinia L.

1.1.1. B. alba Buch.-Ham. ex Wall.

[Plate I; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A medium tree. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, suborbicular with long petioles. Each leaf with 11-13 primary prominent convergent veins, leaf apex cleft, base cordate, margin entire, with two caducous small ovate stipules. Flowers few in short axillary and terminal racemes, the former pedicellate with deltoid small bracts. Calyx thinly pubescent, spathaceous green, forming obconical tube, with five shallow teeth. Corolla thinly pubescent with five white, green-veined, obovate and subequal petals. Androecium ten included stamens (five fertile antesepalous and five sterile antepetalous). Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary thinly pubescent, flattened and stipitate (presence of gynophore). Style flattened, short, and incurved. Stigma hairy and capitate. Pod glabrous to coriaceous, long peaked, dehiscent with brown colour at maturation, flattened and linear. Seed brown, compressed and orbicular.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category campylodromous with 13 basal veins. The secondary vein category brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute or obtuse angle to primary vein with straight course and alternate percurrent category. Quaternary vein category alternate percurrent. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation fimbrial.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

                Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view with straight anticlinal walls, some with prisms of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular, eglandular. The trichomal index is 8.434 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. Occasionally 3-4 subsidiaries surrounded the stomata forming isotricytic or tetracytic type. The stomatal index is 15.656 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow, depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): the epidermal characteristics of adaxial surface are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis except in; trichomes wanting and the stomatal index is 9.645%.

          SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad, depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

1.2.2. B. hookeri F.Muell.

[Plate II; Text Figs. A-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A medium tree. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, suborbicular with long petioles. Each leaf with 10-12 primary prominent convergent veins, leaf apex cleft to base, base of leaf cordate, margin entire, with two caducous small ovate stipules. Flowers few in short leaf-opposed racemes, pedicellate with small ovate-lanceolate bracts and bracteoles. Calyx thinly pubescent with green, lanceolate five sepals forming obconical tube. Corolla thinly pubescent with white, crimson-veined, suborbicular and subequal five petals. Androecium ten fertile included stamens. Filaments thinly pubescent from base to the middle and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, Ovary thinly pubescent, flattened and stipitate. Style flattened, long and incurved. Stigma capitate. Pod glabrous, brown, woody and dehiscent at maturation, oblong, slightly flattened, with cuspidate apex. Seed brown, suborbicular and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category campylodromous with 14 basal veins. The secondary vein category brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute or obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category dichotomizing. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins unbranched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

                Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view with straight anticlinal walls.. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. Occasionally 3-4 subsidiaries surrounded the stomata forming isotricytic or tetracytic type. The stomatal index is 12.765 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in the abaxial epidermis except in; stomata wanting.

   

1.3.3. B. variegata L.

 [Plate III; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A medium tree. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, suborbicular with long petioles. Each leaf with 11-13 primary prominent convergent veins, leaf apex cleft, base cordate, margin entire, with two caducous small ovate stipules. Flowers few in short axillary and terminal racemes, the former pedicellate with deltoid small bracts. Calyx thinly pubescent, spathaceous green, forming obconical tube, with five shallow teeth. Corolla thinly pubescent with five lavender, obovate and subequal petals, the posterior one dark-streaked. Androecium ten included stamens (five fertile antesepalous and five sterile antepetalous). Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary thinly pubescent, flattened and stipitate (presence of gynophore). Style flattened, short, and incurved. Stigma hairy and capitate. Pod glabrous & coriaceous, long peaked, dehiscent with brown colour at maturation, flattened and linear. Seed brown, compressed and orbicular.

   

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category campylodromous with 13 basal veins. The secondary vein category brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute or obtuse angle to primary vein with straight course and alternate percurrent category. Quaternary vein category alternate percurrent. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation fimbrial.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

                Abaxia epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view with prisms of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular and egalandular. The trichomal index is 8.332 %. Stomata elliptical and Paracytic. Occasionally 3-4 subsidiaries surrounded the stomata forming isotricytic or tetracytic type. The stomata index is The stomatal index is 14.977 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis in surface view except in; trichomes wanting and the stomatal index is 8.987%.

          SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

Genus (2) Brownea Jacq.

2.1.4. B. grandiceps Jacq.

[Plate IV; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A small shrub. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate with long petioles. Leaflets two to four pairs per leaf, with short stalk, obovate, apex of leaflet caudate, base asymmetric and obtuse, margin entire, with ovate caducous stipules. Flowers dense in terminal capitate racemes nearly globose, shortly pedicellate with bracts as involucre. Each bract rusty pubescent, suborbicular, lower bracts larger than higher ones. Bracteoles broad ovate, connate enclosing the calyx and longer than calyx tube. Calyx pubescent with four red, unequal, oblong sepals, forming short obconical tube. Corolla glabrous with five red, slightly unequal, oblong petals, each with long claw, the posterior one broader. Androecium 12 fertile stamens, long and exerted. Filaments glabrous, filiform, connate below into tube. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, linear oblong and stipitate. Style long, filiform and incurved above. Stigma pilose and capitate. Pod not available.

   

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with 3 basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins unbranched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view with sinuous anticlinal walls. Trichomes wanting. Stomata elliptical in shape and paracytic type. The stomatal index is 26.180%.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in the abaxial epidermis except in; stomata wanting.

Genus (3): Caesalpinia L.

3.1.5. C. ferrea Tulasne.

[Plate V; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub or small tree. Stem glabrous. Leaves compound, bipinnate, alternate with long petiole. Each leaf consisting of two pairs of pinnae, oppositley arranged and one terminal. The leaf paripinnate with four to six pairs of leaflets. Leaflets subsessile, elliptic-oblong, apex acute, base asymmetrical cuneate, margin entire with two small ovate caducous stipules. Flowers many in short axillary racemes, the former with short pedicels and small ovate bracts. Calyx pubescent with five yellow-brown, ovate-oblong sepals, slightly unequal, forming short obconical tube. The anterior sepal larger. Corolla hairy below internally, yellow, obovate, slightly unequal five petals, each with very short claw, the posterior one larger, broad, obovate and variegated with red. Androecium ten fertile stamens, short exerted. Filaments awl, flattened, with stalk glands. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary glabrous, oblong and subsessile. Style long, terete, stout. Stigma ciliolate and concave. Pod glabrous, dehiscent & dark brown at maturation, oblong, subturgid, apex with short beak and subwoody. Seed brown, ovate and flattened.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with two basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with admedially ramified course and dichotomizing category. Quaternary vein category ill-developed. Areolation lacking. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Stomata elliptical and anomocytic. The stomatal index is 26.086 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis except in; the stomatal index is 8.333%.

3.2.6. C. gilliesii (Wallich ex Hook.) Dietr.

[Plate VI; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub or small tree. Stem glabrous, young twigs slightly pubescent. Leaves compound, bipinnate, alternate with long petiole. Leaf 8-12 pairs of pinnae oppositley arranged. The former paripinnate, 6-10 pairs of leaflets. Leaflets subsessile, narrow oblong, apex obtuse, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, with two broad ovate stipules. Flowers many in long terminal racemes, stout pedicellate. Bracts large, ovate-oblong, caducous. Calyx pubescent with five dark brown, glandular, oblong and unequal sepals, forming short tube, the anterior one larger, concave. Corolla pubescent with five yellow, spathulate and subequal petals, each with long claw. Androecium ten fertile stamens, long exerted. Filaments hairy below, crimson and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, oblong and sessile. Style long, filiform. Stigma truncate. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, yellowish brown, scabrous oblong, flattened, dehiscent, apex oblique, obtuse with short beak. Seed yellowish brown, ovate and flattened.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with two basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with admedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category ill-developed. Areolation moderately developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular in surface view with sinuous anticlinal walls. Trichomes wanting. Stomata elliptical and anomocytic. The stomatal index is 2.985 %.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis except in; the stomatal index is 2.150%.                    

Genus (4): Cassia L.

4.1.7. C. fistula L.

[Plate VII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall spreading tree. Stem thinly pubescent especially young twigs. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets six to seven pairs, subsessile, ovate-lanceolate, apex of leaflet acute, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, exstipulate. Flowers many in lax long axillary pendulos racemes, pedicellate. Bracts wanting. Calyx thinly pubescent with five yellowish green, oblong-ovate sepals, forming very short tube. Corolla glabrous with five bright yellow, obovate, unequal petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten stamens, seven fertile and three sterile, unequal, short exerted. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers subequal, basifixed, the three upper (posterior) much included and staminodes. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, terete, curved and stipitate. Style short, terete. Stigma small, terminal and simple. Pod glabrous, brown, cylindrical, woody, indehiscent, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed orange with dark line, ovate and flattened.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins one-branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 4.761 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 9.090 %.

SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with granulate surface. The periclinal walls depressed with granulate surface.

         

          Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular in surface view, with sinuous anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 2.631 %.

          SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls depressed with glabrous surface.

4.2.8. C. grandis L.f.

[Plate VIII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets six to 15 pairs, subsessile, oblong-elliptic, apex of leaflet emarginate, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, stipules absent. Flowers many in axillary racemes, pedicellate, with pink ovate bracts and two small bracteoles. Calyx tomentose with five obovate sepals. Corolla glabrous with five pink, obovate-elliptic subequal petals. Androecium ten fertile unequal included stamens. Filaments glabrous, the three anterior sigmoid, others filiform,. Anthers subequal and dorsifixed. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, terete and stipitate. Style long, terete. Stigma small, terminal. Pod thinly pubescent, dark brown, linear, compressed and indehiscent, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed glabrous, dark brown and elliptic.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with five basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal in surface view with straight anticlinal walls. Some with druses of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular, eglandular. The trichomal index is 6.312 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 5.263 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

         

          Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis in surface view except in; stomat wanting and the trichomal index is 6.250%.                

          SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

4.3.9. C. javanica L.

[Plate IX; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets eight to 16 pairs, subsessile, oblong-elliptic, apex of leaflet emarginate, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire with two crescent-shaped stipules. Flowers many in long axillary racemes, pedicellate with pink, ovate-lanceolate bracts, and two small bracteoles. Calyx velvety pubescent with five pink, ovate, sepals. Corolla pubescent with five pink, obovate-elliptic and subequal petals. Androecium ten, fertile, unequal and included stamens. Filaments glabrous, the three anterior sigmoid, others filiform,. Anthers subequal, dorsifixed. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, curved, terete and stipitate. Style short, terete and incurved. Stigma small and terminal. Pod glabrous, brown, terete, straight, indehiscent, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed glabrous, light brown and orbicular.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 13.559%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 31.696%.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 5.090%.

          SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

4.4.10. C. marginata Roxb.

[Plate X; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A small tree. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets five to ten pairs, subsessile, oblong, apex of leaflet obtuse, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire. Flowers many in short axillary racemes, pedicellate with pink, ovate bracts, and two small bracteoles. Calyx velvety pubescent with five pink, ovate sepals. Corolla pubescent with five red, ovate-elliptic and subequal petals. Androecium nine, fertile, unequal and long exerted stamens. Filaments glabrous, the three anterior sigmoid, others filiform,. Anthers unequal, dorsifixed. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, curved, terete and stipitate. Style short, terete and incurved. Stigma small and terminal. Pod glabrous, brown, terete, straight, indehiscent, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed glabrous, light brown and ovate.        

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category dichotomizing. Areolation poorly developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with curved anticlinal walls, some contain prisms of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 1.960%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 7.809%.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 1.470%.

          SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

4.5.11. C. nodosa Buch-Ham. ex Roxb.

[Plate XI; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A medium spreading tree. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets six to 12 pairs, subsessile, ovate-elliptic, apex of leaflet mucronate, base asymmetrical obtuse, margin entire, with two auricle stipules. Flowers many in long terminal racemes, pedicellate with ovate-lanceolate bracts. Calyx tomentose with five pink, ovate sepals, forming very short tube. Corolla glabrous with five, bright pink, obovate and unequal petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten unequal stamens (seven fertile and three sterile), short exerted. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers subequal, basifixed and versatile, the three lowest (anterior) with long swelling filaments, the three upper (posterior) much included and staminodes. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, terete, curved and stipitate. Style short, terete. Stigma small, terminal. Pod glabrous, brown, cylindrical, indehiscent, woody, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed absent.

   

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category dichotomizing. Areolation poorly developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls, some contain druses and prisms of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 4.761 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal  index is 9.090 %.

SEM investigation revealed pusticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxia epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls, some contain druses and prisms of calcium oxalate crystals. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 1.657 %.

          SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with granulate surface. The periclinal walls depressed with glabrous surface.

Genus (5): Ceratonia L.

5.1.12. C. siliqua L.

[Plate XII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A medium tree, dioecious. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate with two small lanceolate stipules. Leaflets four to five pairs, subsessile, obovate, apex of leaflet retuse, base asymmetrical obtuse, margin entire. Flowers small, unisexual, many in short axillary racemes, pedicellate with small, scale-like, caducous bracts. Calyx caducous with five, minute dark brown sepals that connate at base. Corolla absent. Androecium five fertile stamens, shortly exerted. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, oblong arcuate and shortly stipitate. Style very short and thick. Stigma peltate. Pod glabrous & thick coriaceous, dark brown, oblong, straight or curved, compressed, indehiscent with obtuse apex. Seed brown, obovate and flattened.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with curved anticlinal walls, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 9.722%.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular, pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals.

          SEM investigation revealed pusticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

Genus (6): Cercis L.

6.1.13. C. chinensis Bunge

[Plate XIII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves simple, alternate, petiolate, cordate, apex acuminate, base cordate, margin entire with two small lanceolate, caducous stipules. Flowers few in short axillary and terminal racemes, pedicellate with small scale-like, bracts. Calyx glabrous, pink, forming oblique tube, with five shallow teeth. Corolla glabrous, purplish-pink with five unequal petals, pseudo-papillionaceous, each petal obovate with claw, the posterior one shorter. Androecium ten fertile included stamens. Filaments hairy beneath and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary glabrous, oblong and shortly stipitate. Style long, filiform, upcurved. Stigma subcapitate. Pod glabrous & thin coriaceous, reddish brown, linear-oblong, flattened, dehiscent at maturation, with tapering apex ending with short beak. Seed black, oblong and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category campylodromus with seven basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries strong. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal, hexagonal or polygonal shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 14.285%.

SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls depressed with glabrous surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal, hexagonal or polygonal shape in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals.

          SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with granulate surface. The periclinal walls depressed with granulate surface.

Genus (7): Delonix Raf.

7.1.14. D. regia (Bojer ex Hook.) Raf.

[Plate XIV; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall spreading tree. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, bipinnate, alternate with long petiolate. Each leaf with 10-18 pairs of oppositley arranged pinnae, paripinnate, 20-26 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet subsessile, oblong, apex obtuse, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, with small, caducous, lanceolate stipules. Flowers many in lax short terminal racemes, pedicellate, with ovate, caducous bracts. Calyx pubescent, red on inner surface, with five oblong subequal sepals, forming short tube. Corolla glabrous, bright scarlet, with five subequal and suborbicular petals, each with long claw, the posterior one broad, obovate, yellow on inner surface and spotted with red. Androecium ten fertile and included stamens. Filaments hairy below, red and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, flattened, straight and sessile. Style long, filiform, incurved. Stigma ciliolate and truncate. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, yellowish mottled with brown, broad oblong, flattened, dehiscent, apex oblique, obtuse with long beak. Seed narrowly oblong and subterete.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with two basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary and Quaternary vein categories ill-developed

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes are unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 1.445%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 17.540%.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 3.398%.

Tha adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis

Genus (8): Gleditsia L.

8.1.15. G. caspica Desf.

[Plate XV; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem armed with spines. Leaves compound, paripinnate, rarely bipinnate, alternate with long petiole. Leaflets of paripinnate six to eight pairs, bipinnate leaves with six to eight pairs of pinnae, four to five pairs of leaflets. Rachis, rachillae and petiole pubescent. Leaflets subsessile, ovate-lanceolate, apex acute-mucronate, base asymmetric cuneate, margin serrate with very small lanceolate stipules. Flowers polygamous, many in long axillary spike-like racemes, pedicellate, with minute, scale-like and caducous bracts. Calyx pubescent, green, with four subequal, lanceolate sepals, forming very short tube. Corolla pubescent, whitish green with four subequal, oblong petals. Androecium eight fertile stamens shortly exerted. Filaments pilose at base and filiform. Anthers equal and basifixed. Staminate flowers numerous, ovary rudimentary. Bisexual flowers few, stamens as above. Gynoecium, ovary glabrous, subsessile and oblong. Style filiform and straight. Stigma broad and terminal. Pod glabrous, brown, broad oblong, flattened, indehiscent, straight or slightly falcate, apex obliquely obtuse with short beak and subwoody. Seed glabrous, brown, elliptic and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category cladodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be pentagonal or hexagonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses and prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 1.136%. Stomata elliptical and cyclocytic. The stomatal index is 5.722%.

SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls depressed with glabrous surface.

          Adaxial epidermal cells as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis except in; the trichomal index is 2.290% and the stomata wanting.

         

Genus (9): Haematoxylum L.

9.1.16. H. campechianum L.

[Plate XVI; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem prickly. Leaves compound, alternate, petiolate, paripinnate or in lower parts bipinnate of one to two pinnae each with two to three pairs of leaflets. Leaflets two to four pairs, subsessile, obovate, apex retuse, base asymmetric cuneate, margin entire, stipules small, thin, spiniform. Flowers small, numerous, dense in long axillary racemes, pedicellate with minute, ovate, scarious and caducous bracts. Calyx glabrous, crimson with yellow margin with five unequal, ovate-oblong sepals, forming very short tube. Corolla glabrous, bright yellow with five, subequal, obovate-oblong petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten fertile stamens, as long as petals. Filaments pubescent below and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary glabrous, broad oblong and shortly stipitate. Style short, flattened, straight. Stigma concave. Pod glabrous, yellow, elliptic, flattened, dehiscent at maturation, apex short mucronate and membranous. Seed dark brown, oblong and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with 11 basal veins. The secondary vein category cladodromus with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins unbranched or one-branched while the marginal ultimate venation incomplete loopes.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, occasionally contain prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls. Stomata oblong elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 21.910%.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes numerous, unicellular, feather-like.

Tha adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis

Genus (10): Parkinsonia L.

10.1.17. P. aculeata L.

[Plate XVII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub or a slender tree. Stem spiny. Leaves compound, bipinnate, alternate, common petiole very short ending with a sharp spine rachis. Leaf one to two pairs of pinnae closely arranged. The rachillae elongated, compressed, twig-like. Leaflets sessile, oblanceolate, apex obtuse, base asymmetric cuneate, margin entire, with small and spiniform stipules. Flowers many in lax axillary racemes, pedicellate, with ovate, scarious and caducous bracts. Calyx glabrous, pale green with five subequal, ovate-oblong sepals, forming short tube. Corolla glabrous, yellow, with five unbequal, ovate-elliptical petals, each with claw, the posterior one broad. Androecium ten fertile, included stamens. Filaments hairy below and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, narrow oblong and short stipitate. Style short, filiform, straight. Stigma terminal, minute. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, green, linear, compressed, late dehiscent with tapering apex. Seed dark brown, narrowly oblong and terete.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with ill-developed higher order veins.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be polygonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses of calcium oxalate crystals, with curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 7.051 %. Stomata circular and paracytic. The stomatal index is 22.459 %.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses of calcium oxalate crystals, with curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular, the trichomal index is 6.515%. Stomata circular and paracytic. The stomatal index is 12.234 %.

Tha adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis.

Genus (11): Peltophorum (Vogel) Benth

11.1.18. P. africanum Sond.

[Plate XVIII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem rusty pubescent. Leaves compound, bipinnate, alternate, petiolate, each leaf of 12-15 pairs of oppositley arranged pinnae, paripinnate, 17-19 pairs of leaflets, each one subsessile, oblong, apex mucronate, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, with linear fringed, caducous stipules. Flowers many in long terminal racemes, panicle-like, pedicellate, with subulate bracts. Calyx rusty pubescent, brown, with five subequal, ovate-oblong sepals, forming short tube. Corolla pilose internally, yellow, with five subequal, obovate petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten fertile, included stamens. Filaments hairy below, awl, straight. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary rusty pubescent, oblong, subsessile and obliquely broad. Style filiform and incurved. Stigma peltate. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, oblong, flattened, indehiscent, compressed, with tapering apex. Seed light brown, oblong and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with four basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses of calcium oxalate crystals, with curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes eglandular, bicellular; one basal cell and one long tapering cell. The trichomal index is 1.148 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 20.192%.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls. Stomata circular and paracytic. The stomatal index is 18.133 %.

          SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

Genus (12): Saraca L.

12.1.19. S. indica L.

[Plate XIX; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem glabrous. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets four to six pairs, each subsessile, oblong-lanceolate, apex of leaflet mucronate, base asymmetric cuneate, margin entire, with two intrapetiolar, ovate, and caducous stipules. Flowers numerous, corymbose panicle in axiles of leaves, pedicellate, with small, red, ovate, caducous bracts and bracteoles. Calyx glabrous, scarlet, with four subequal, obovate sepals, forming funnel tube. Corolla absent. Androecium seven to eight fertile exerted stamens, pink in colour, inserted on fleshy annular ring. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium ovary pilose below, oblong and stipitate. Style long, filiform, incurved. Stigma terminal. Pod glabrous, dark brown, broadly oblong, flattened, dehiscent, apex obtuse, with short beak and subwoody. Seed black, oblong and subterete.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with sinuous course and alternate percurrent category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins absent while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

   

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, occasionally contain prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, with sinuous anticlinal walls. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 20.666%.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

          Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis in surface view and SEM investigation except in; the stomata wanting.

         

Genus (13): Schotia Jacq.

13.1.20. S. brachypetala Sond.

[Plate XX; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A small tree. Stem rough. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets four to eight pairs, each subsessile, oblong, apex retuse, base asymmetric obtuse, margin entire, with two linear, small and caducous stipules. Flowers numerous, dense in lax terminal racemes, pedicellate, with ovate-oblong, caducous bracts and bracteoles. Calyx glabrous, red, with four subequal, ovate-lanceolate sepals, forming short tube. Corolla glabrous, red with five subequal, obovate-oblong petals, each with very short claw, the two anterior redused to bristles. Androecium ten fertile stamens, as long as petals. Filaments glabrous, filiform and connate at base. Anthers dorsifixed and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pilose, flattened and stipitate. Style glabrous, long, filiform and incurved. Stigma simple. Pod woody, brown, oblong, curved, subturgid, dehiscent, with obliquely obtuse apex. Seed glossy brown, ovate and flattened.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls. Stomata circular and cyclocytic. The stomatal index is 5.856%.

SEM investigation revealed pusticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls broad and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with glabrous surface.

          Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis in surface view and SEM investigation except in; the stomata wanting.

Genus (14): Senna Mill.

14.1.21. S. alata (L.) Roxb.

[Plate XXI; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem glabrous. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets four to 12 pairs, subsessile, oblong-elliptic, apex retuse, base asymmetrical obtuse, margin entire, with two stiff, lanceolate stipules. Flowers many in long axillary racemes, pedicellate, with obovate bracts. Calyx glabrous, yellow, with five, oblong-obovate sepals. Corolla glabrous, bright yellow, with five subequal, obovate petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten, included and unequal stamens (seven fertile and three sterile). Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers unequal, basifixed and versatile, the three upper (posterior) much included and staminodes. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, flattened, slightly curved and stipitate. Style long, terete. Stigma small, terminal. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, brown, linear, straight, flattened, indehiscent, apex acute with short beak. Seed greenish black, pear-shaped, compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with four basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with admedially ramified course and alternate percurrent category. Quaternary vein category alternate percurrent. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 9.090%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 11.764%.

SEM investigation revealed tuberculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be papillose shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 4.878 %. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 11.538%.                     Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis.

14.2.22. S. didymobotrya (Fres.) Irwin & Barneby

[Plate XXII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets eight to 17 pairs, subsessile, oblong-ovate, apex obtuse, base asymmertic obtuse, margin entire, with two cordate stipules. Flowers many in long axillary racemes, pedicellate, with ovate bracts. Calyx pubescent, greenish brown, with five obovate seplas. Corolla glabrous, bright yellow, with five subequal, obovate petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten unequal and included stamens (seven fertile and three sterile). Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers unequal, basifixed and versatile, the three upper (posterior) much included and staminodes. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, flattened, slightly curved and stipitate. Style long, terete. Stigma small, terminal. Pod thinly pubescent, coriaceous, dark brown, oblong, straight, flattened, indehiscent, with cuspidate apex. Seed glabrous, dark green, oblong and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with uniform spacing and angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 4.225%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 24.724%.

SEM investigation revealed reticulate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and raised with granulate surface. The periclinal walls depressed with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be polygonal shape in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 6.355%. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 12.642%.                 

Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis.

14.3.23. S. sophera (L.) Roxb.

[Plate XXIII; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets six to nine pairs, each subsessile, ovate-lanceolate, apex acute, base asymmertic obtuse, margin entire, with two linear stipules. Flowers few in short axillary racemes, pedicellate, with ovate bracts. Calyx glabrous, pale green, with five ovate sepals. Corolla glabrous, yellow, with five subequal, obovate petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten unequal stamens (six fertile and four sterile), as long as petals. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers subequal, basifixed. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, flattened, slightly curved and stipitate. Style short, terete. Stigma small, terminal. Pod glabrous, coriaceous, dark brown, linear, subterete, dehiscent at maturation, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed glabrous, brown, pear-shaped and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at obtuse angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category regular polygonal reticulate. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more- branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be irregular shape in surface view, occasionally contain druses of calcium oxalate crystals, with curved anticlinal walls. Stomata elliptical and paracytic. The stomatal index is 24.691%.

SEM investigation revealed ruminate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by LM & SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis except in; the stomatal index is 11.929%.

14.4.24. S. surattensis (Burm. f.) Irwin & Barneby

[Plate XXIV; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A shrub. Stem thinly pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets six to eight pairs, each subsessile, ovate-elliptic, apex obtuse, base asymmertic obtuse, margin entire, with two linear stipules. Flowers many in long axillary racemes, pedicellate, with ovate bracts. Calyx glabrous, yellowish green, with five obovate seplas. Corolla glabrous, bright yellow, with five subequal and obovate petals, each with very short claw. Androecium ten, fertile, unequal and included stamens. Filaments glabrous and filiform. Anthers subequal, basifixed. Gynoecium, ovary pubescent, flattened, slightly curved at apex and stipitate. Style short, flattened. Stigma small, terminal. Pod thinly pubescent, coriaceous, dark brown, narrow-oblong, flattened, dehiscent at maturation, apex obtuse with short beak. Seed glabrous, shining brown, obovate and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with six basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category dichotomizing. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be polygonal shape in surface view, with curved anticlinal walls. Trichomes unicellular and eglandular. The trichomal index is 4.122%. Stomata circular and paracytic. The stomatal index is 40.397%.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with granulate surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be polygonal shape in surface view, with straight anticlinal walls. Trichomes are unicellular and eglandular, the trichomal index is 3.251%. Stomata are circular in shape and paracytic type, the stomatal index is 10.622%.

Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis.

Genus (15): Tamarindus L.

15.1.25 T. indica L.

[Plate XXV; Text Figs. a-f]

A.  Macromorphological Characters [Whole Plant (Fig. a)]

          A tall tree. Stem rough, young twigs pubescent. Leaves compound, paripinnate, alternate and petiolate. Leaflets eight to 14 pairs, each subsessile, oblong, apex retuse, base asymmertic obtuse, margin entire, with two linear, small and caducous stipules. Flowers numerous, dense in lax terminal racemes, pedicellate, with ovate-oblong and caducous bracts and bracteoles. Calyx glabrous, yellow, with four subequal, ovate-lanceolate sepals, forming short tube. Corolla glabrous, bright yellow with red veins, with five subequal, obovate-oblong petals, each with very short claw, the two anterior redused to bristles. Androecium three fertile stamens, as long as petals. Filaments pubescent below, filiform and connate at base. Anthers versatile and equal. Gynoecium, ovary pilose, oblong and stipitate. Style glabrous, long, filiform and incurved. Stigma subcapitate. Pod crustaceous, brown, oblong, curved, subturgid, indehiscent, with obliquely obtuse apex. Seed glossy brown, orbicular and compressed.

B. Lamina Architecture (Fig. b)

The primary vein category pinnate with three basal veins. The secondary vein category festooned brochidodromous with irregular spacing and uniform angles. The intersecondaries weak. Tertiary veins arise at acute angle to primary vein with exmedially ramified course and random reticulate category. Quaternary vein category dichotomizing. Areolation well developed. The freely ending ultimate veins two or more branched while the marginal ultimate venation looped.

C. Lamina Epidermal Characteristics (Figs. c-f)

Abaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, with slightly curved anticlinal walls. Stomata circular and paracytic. The stomatal index is 16.666 %.

SEM investigation revealed colliculate blade surface sculpture. The anticlinal walls narrow and depressed with glabrous surface. The periclinal walls raised with granulate surface.

Adaxial epidermal cells (LM): appear to be quadrangular or pentagonal shape in surface view, occasionally contain irregular masses of calcium oxalate crystals, with straight anticlinal walls.

Adaxial epidermal characteristics as examined by SEM are on the same ground plan as in abaxial epidermis.