Studies on the micromorphology of leaf epidermis of the genus Aspidistra under SEM

The leaf epidermis of 9 species in the genus Aspidistra were examined through scanning electron microscope(SEM).All the species were characterized by having abaxial epidermis consisting of rectangular or rhombic cells,with the radical and tangential walls being straight.The shapes of the stoma were ovate or elliptic.Ornamentation of outer stomatal rim was offen smooth.The inner margin of the outer stomatal rim was nearly smooth or sinuolate,and the cuticular membrane of the leaf epidermis was often sinuolate or straited.The stomatal size was positively related with the chromosomal ploidy.Some differences were found among the 9 species,therefore,SEM characters of the leaf epidermis were of certain taxonomic significance.