First report of cork-warts on a leaf of Aristolochia L. (Aristolochiaceae) and its systematic implication

Jangid P.P.*, Gurav A.M., Santra B., Gaikwad S., Shiddamallayya M. & N. Srikanth

Published on : 30-Sep-2024

DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.2024.34.03.02

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Abstract

Many species have cork-warts on their leaf lamina as an extra-taxonomic trait. The current research is the first to document the occurrence of cork warts in the Aristolochiaceae family, which have not been previously reported. The study’s overarching goal is to provide taxonomic evidence of cork-warts in Aristolochia by documenting their occurrence, structure, and origin. Accordingly, examinations of the micro-morphoanatomy of the leaves of Aristolochia indica L. and Aristolochia ringens Vahl. were used to assess the presence of cork-warts by using paradermal and transverse views of the leaf lamina. A. indica has an ordinary epidermal origin of corkwarts, but A. ringens contains d-stomata type origin of cork-warts. Therefore, corkwarts are seen as an extra taxonomic trait that may be used to distinguish between different species of Aristolochia.