Published Paper Details:

A comparative study was undertaken with an aim to compare morpho-anatomical characters with special emphasis on trichomes, stomatal index and stomatal patterns in some selected members of the family Sterculiaceae, which may be useful in species identification and to evaluate their significance in the taxonomy of the genus. The different taxa under investigation were Melochia corchorifolia Linn., Sterculia balanghas Linn., Kleinhovia hospita Linn., Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk. and Helicteres isora Linn. Even though this family has many similarities, members show remarkable variations in morphology, anatomy and stomatal index. There is observable difference in morphological features such as presence or absence of staminoids, presence of gynophore/androphore, number and arrangements of stamens etc. A small amount of variation was observed in the anatomy and variations present in the type of trichomes. By evaluating both morphological and anatomical characters the author is of the opinion that the members of the family are distinct morphologically and they show few variations among anatomical features and stomatal index.