Foliar epidermal anatomy as an aid to the identification of grasses in tribe Aveneae (subfamily Pooideae, Poaceae) from salt range of Pakistan

In the present studies foliar epidermal anatomy regarding 7 species belonging to 5 genera of tribe Aveneae (Poaceae) was carried out. The studies revealed that different leaf anatomical characters, such as presence or absence of rounded short cells, length of long cells, size of stomatal complex and shape of silica bodies, are helpful in the identification of different species and genera within the tribe. Large cells with maximum length and largest stomatal complex are found in Avena sp. In genus Agrostis, Phalaris and Koeleria variations exist in the morphology of silica bodies. The studies revealed that diversity in different anatomical characters present within the species and genera is a valuable tool for the differentiation and correct identification of species in tribe Aveneae.   Key words: Foliar, Aveneae, Poaceae, salt range, Pakistan.

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