Foliar epidermal features and their taxonomic significance in ten species of Hypericum L. (Hypericaceae)

Abstract

The leaves in the ten species of Hypericum L. are simple, ovate to lanceolate. Leaf shape. size. types of stomata and their percentage, frequency of stomata/mm2, stomatal index have been investigated. The species H. aegypticum, H. olympicum and H. montanum are with ovate and amphistomatic leaves; H. patulum var. forestii and H. humifusum are with ovate and hypostomatic leaves; H. androsaemum and H. patulum are with lanceolate leaves having idioblastic sacs; H. mysorensis and H. kalmanium are with lanceolate leaves but without idioblastic sacs, and H . empetrifolium is with linear leaves. A key based on morphological and epidermal characters is provided for identification of the species.