Study on the foliar morphology and anatomy of selected Dischidia R. Br

Foliar morphology and anatomy of eight selected species of Dischidia R.Br. was conducted to study the identification characters of the species. Qualitative and quantitative morphological characters, stomatal features including stomatal frequency and stomatal index and anatomical foliar features were studied. Analysis of the characters suggested that the leaves of the selected Dischidia species can be well differentiated and distinct in their qualitative and quantitative morphological characters. Amphistomatic, paracytic stomata were observed in all the species studied with highest stomata index in D. nummularia. Anatomical foliar characters revealed the epiphytic succulent adaptations of the species.