Leaf epidermal micro-morphology of four species in the genus Kobresia from alpine grassland

Both the upper and lower epidermal features of the leaves of 4 species in the genus Kobresia Willd were observed under optical microscope and scanning electron microscope.The size of the upper and lower epidermal cells,stomatal size,stomatal distance,stomatal density and stomatal index were measured and counted under optical microscope.The results showed that the four species displayed many common features in patterns of anticlinal wall of both epidermis,limited distribution of stomatal apparatus only in the lower epidermis,paracytic type etc.Prickles presented at leaf margins of the 4 species,moreover with short barbs in K.capillifolia.The stomatal density,stomatal indexes had significant interspecies differences and possessed certain assistant classification value of species.