Macro‐ and micromorphological evidence for infraspecific separation of taxa in Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. (Malvaceae)

Abstract

With 2 Figures and 2 TablesS u m m a r y Z u s a m m e n f a s s u n gThe study was conducted to confirm the traditional separation of varieties of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. according to corolla colour. Measurements were made on live plants of three varieties: red, orange and white, for plant height, number of branches, angles of branches, leaf size and floral whorl dimensions. Leaf shape, apex, base and floral behaviours at anthesis were also assessed. Micromorphological features like stomata1 indices, complex types, their distribution on adaxial and abaxial surfaces, presence of foliar trichomes as well as pollen grain features were assessed. Results revealed enough evidence to confirm the traditional separation of these varieties despite the affinity of macromorphometric features. Suggestions were made to attempt explaining the paradox of high pollen grain fertility as against no fruit set and vegetative reproduction in the species.