Leaf epidermal studies of Artocarpus altilis (J.R&G Forster) and Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam

Abstract

A comparative leaf epidermal studies of two species of Artocarpus was study in this work. Fresh leaf of ArtocarpusaltilisFHI 113556 were collected from Idi-ayunre Ibadan while Artocarpus heterophyllus FHI 113557 were collected from University of Ibadan. Fresh plant specimens were used for this study. Samples of leaves were macerated in concentrated Trioxonitrate(v) Acid for 2-4 hours. The samples were transferred into water in Petri-dishes while the abaxial and adaxial epidermis samples were carefully separated using forceps and dissecting needle. The use of light microscope revealed that stomata only occurred on the lower surface of both plants. It also revealed the presence of trichomes on the both surfaces of the leaf of Artocarpus heterophyllus.