Systematic value of foliar anatomical features in Polygonum species, family Polygonaceae from Pakistan.

A study of foliar epidermis in thirteen species of Polygonum was performed. The study revealed some distinctive anatomical features such as epidermal cells outline, single or mixed type of stomata on the single leaf surface and presence or absence of trichomes adaxially and abaxially. The shape of epidermal cells was variable; stomata were constant in most of the species and one-three celled glandular peltate trichomes were examined in few species, while non-glandular trichomes were totally absent. Although the analyzed epidermal characters have systematic value, they are to likely be stable at specific level.