Histochemical Localization of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in the Leaf Epidermis of Some Commelina L. (Commelinaceae) and its Bearing on Taxonomy.

Accession number;99A0224134
Title;Histochemical Localization of Calcium Oxalate Crystals in the Leaf Epidermis of Some Commelina L. (Commelinaceae) and its Bearing on Taxonomy.
Author; EDEOGA H O (Edo State Univ., Edo State, Nga) UGBO H N (Edo State Univ., Edo State, Nga)
Journal Title;Shokubutsu Bunrui, Chiri
Journal Code:L2614A
ISSN:0001-6799
VOL.48;NO.1;PAGE.23-30(1997)
Figure&Table&Reference;FIG.9, REF.24
Pub. Country;Japan
Language;English
Abstract;Histochemical localization of ergastic substances (calcium oxalate crystals) in the leaves of five members of the genus Commelina L. and its bearing on the taxonomy of these taxa are reported for the first time. All the taxa possessed needle-like raphides either singly dispersed in the epidermal cells or aggregated in forms of bundles. In addition, C. africana also has polygonally shaped crystals, and C. erecta subsp. erecta and C. erecta subsp. livingstonii have prismatic and rhomboidal crystals, respectively. C. benghalensis is distinct in having mostly the needle-shaped, non-aggregated raphides, and C. diffusa is distinct in having aggregated crystals. The occurrence of oval crystals distinguishes C. erecta subsp. livingstonii from C. erecta subsp. erecta. The localization of crystals around the guard cells of the stomata suggests that the calcium oxalate crystals may play nutritional and mechanical role in these taxa. (author abst.)