Petiole and stem gross anatomy of seven West African species of Momordica L of the family Cucurbitaceae were studied. This was with a view to exploiting their systematic and taxonomic significance; this is because other studies on them were based on morphology. Representatives of the five species were obtained from various parts of the West African sub-region and passed through standard treatments to make permanent anatomical slides for the study. Micrographic evidences of distinguishing and affinity taxonomic features were made. Variations in petiole and stem anatomical attributes were obvious that they could be used as systematic evidence to taxonomically delineate these taxa even at species level. The evidences are used to locate the species in the tribe Cucurbitoideae. The occurrence of grit cells below the epidermis of the petiole of Momordica cabraei is remarkable and separates it from others; this is reported for the first time. Whereas in Momordica cissoides, brachysclerids are found interspersing the cells of the epidermal layer of the petiole which is also reported for the first time. Both stem and petiolar vascular bundle quantitatively separates the species. Cortical parenchyma cellular layers differentiates the species and therefore delineated them. Momordica balsamina stands apart with the possession of stemic 15 to 17 cellular layers of sclerenchymatous tissues. In M. cabraei, the grit cells are present in stem where it is scattered across the tissues whereas in Momordica multiflora, where it was lacking in petiole, packs are arranged below stemic epidermal tissues. The occurrence of starch deposit across various tissue layers of M. multiflora petiole also stands it out. Various other distinguishing features are discussed. The use of petiolar and stemic anatomical features in systematic description of Momordica species is maiden and innovative and reported for the first time.
A b s t r a c t A r t i c l e I n f oStudies were carried out to compare the gross morphology -vegetative and floral of four species of the genus Sesamum L. occurring in Nigeria, West Tropical Africa with a view to provide information on their taxonomy, systematics, agronomic and identification traits at the early stage of their growth in the field as this has been problematic. Observations were made on fresh and herbarium specimens and records of relevant quantitative and qualitative traits taken. Appropriate statistical tools were applied to analyse quantitative traits. The results indicated variations strong enough to separate the taxa even at specific level. Similarities also exist that suggest they are still remaining together in a genus. Lower/early leaves separate them at species level. S. indicum-cordate, S. angustifolium-lanceolate, S. radiatum-ovate and S. alatum-oblong and identification at early stage of growth without flowers is possible. This information is available for the first time. The beak shape of capsules separates the taxa at specific levels. S. angustifolium-narrow oblong, S. indicum-broad oblong, S. Radiatum-square; whereas S. alatum has tapered apex. The seeds also aid in identifying Sesamum species: S. angustifolium-radially rough, S. indicum-smooth, S. radiatum-reticulately rough whereas S. alatum partially rough and winged. Dimensions of internode length, seed sizes and number of seeds per capsule, capsule length, beak length, and leaf dimensions separate the taxa at species level. Similarities which also suggest togetherness in same genus were identified and several documented for the first time.
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