title: The study on foliar micromorphology of Hippobromus pauciflorus using scanning electron microscope.
abstract: Foliar micromorphology of Hippobromus pauciflorus (L.f.) Radlk (Sapindaceae) was investigated by scanning electron microscope examination. The leaves were characterized by anisocytic stomata which were found only on the abaxial surface. The leaves have long unicellular non-glandular trichomes which were distributed over the mid rib and densely populated at the edges of the upper and lower surfaces. Crystal deposits were also observed on the abaxial surface of the leaves. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy SEM of the crystals showed predominant mineral components of Na, Al, Si, K and Ca ions. These micro (Si, Na and Al) and macro (K and Ca) elements are very essential to plant growth. Their presence in the trichomes could contribute to the mechanical stability of the leaf appendages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Botany, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700, South Africa.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Pendota
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Grierson
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Afolayan
mesh_terms: D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D029631:Sapindaceae / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis / Q000379:methods