By: Lawal A. .;
Abstract:
Identification of species in the genus khaya based on morphology has always been done with some level of
uncertainties. Leaf is perhaps anatomically most varied organ of angiosperms and its anatomical variations often
agree with generic and specific lines. Anatomic characters of vegetative parts of flowering plants have been
successfully employed to solve taxonomic problems and for the elucidation of phylogenetic relationships. This
research, therefore, was designed to reveal folia anatomic structure in the three species of Khaya in Ondo State,
Nigeria and compare their folia anatomic characteristics towards resolving their taxonomic uncertainties. Leaflets
of three khaya species (K. grandifoliola, K. seneglensis and K. ivorensis) were collected from different locations in
Ondo State. Sizeable (7cm x 3cm) portions of the leaflets from each of the species were taken from the standard
median portion and to evaluate their folia anatomic structure. Findings from the study revealed that the three species
were dorsiventral and were similar for all the anatomical traits investigated except for upper cuticle thickness in
Khaya ivorensis which was significantly lower (15.33µmm) than other two species, Khaya grandifoliola
(18.00µmm) and Khaya senegalensis (17.33µmm). This is an indication that folia anatomic characteristics alone
could not be sufficiently used to resolve these taxonomic uncertainties in Khaya genus in Ondo State. Therefore,
combination of anatomic characteristics with morphological traits could resolve this uncertainty and as such,
recommended.
Keywords: Foliar anatomy,; Taxonomic uncertainty; Khaya genus; ;
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