Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

STOMATAL STUDIES OF SELECTED EPIPHYTIC ORCHIDS FROMWESTERN GHATS- GOA, INDIA

M.J. Bukhari and D. Velip

Abstract

In the present investigation leaf anatomy of fifteen epiphytic orchids belonging to nine genera viz., Acampe,Aerides, Bulbophyllum, Cottonia, Dendrobium, Pholidota, Porpax, Rhynchostylis, and Smithsoniafrom WesternGhats, Goa were studied. The study revealed differences with respect to leaf orientation, leaf texture, leafsurface and stomata. The stomatal types reported were anomocytic, tetracytic, pentacytic and paracytic.Maximum stomatal index was reported in Porpaxfiliformis while it was found to be minimum in Rhynchostylisretusa. Stomatal frequency ranged between 25 mm2 to 76.25 mm2.