Comparative Leaf anatomy of some species of Habenaria Wild
(Orchidaceae).
Abstract
The present study analyzed the characteristics in leaf of Terrestrial
Orchidaceae member i.e different species of Habenaria Wild ( H.
plantaginea Lind1., H. ovalifolia. Wight., H. multicaudata Sedgw. , H.
crinifera Lind1., H. heyneana. Lindl., H. elwesii Hook.f., H.
longicorniculata J.Graham. , H. pelorioides Par. & Rchb.f. (Odisha
cleistantha S.Mishra).). Anatomical characters are important in
identification and ecological adaptations. The anatomical characters
have serving as a tool for the genus’s systematic. The plants was
collected at different forest types from Shivamogga district. Materials
was fixed in FAA solution. Transverse sections were obtained by freehand
sections, stained with 1% safranin. Leaf anatomical organization of
Habenaria species ( Stomata ,epidermis, mesophyll, vascular bundles,
hypodermis.) was observed. There was a distinct variation in the
anatomical characters of the leaf. Detailed leaf anatomical characters
can be used to distinguish species from others. Leaf anatomical
characters with structural adaptation helps plants to survive in
different vegetation. The implication of this study is the importance of
leaf anatomical features to support species identification and to
increase understanding of orchid biology which are important in orchid
conservation.