Leaf architectural studies in some Meliaceae
Sarala C. Tadavi and Vijay V. Bhadane
*P. G. and Research Department of Botany, Pratap College, Amalner-425401 (India) E-mail: bhadanevv2009@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present study deals with the leaf architectural studies of eighteen species distributed over fifteen genera of the Meliaceae has been carried out to provide comprehensive account on the leaf architecture of Meliaceae and its taxonomic significance. The leaves are compound except for simple once in Turraea villosa. The leaf shape, apex, base, number of areoles and vein endings entering the areoles are species specific. The major venation pattern conforms to pinnate brochidodromous either with eucamptodromous or craspedodromous types. The highest degree of vein order is up to 6º. Quantitative parameters like the numbers of secondary veins, areoles and vein endings per unit area have using analyzed. The veinlets terminations are mostly conventional tracheids or occasionally dilated. The presence of bundle sheath is common around 1º to 5º veins. Leaf architectural characteristics such as presence of major venation categories, nature of marginal ultimate venation, areoles, presence or absence of bundle sheath and type of leaf margins are found to the helpful in delimiting the taxa study. Based on these characters a key is prepared for identification of species investigated.