Debashree Kakati and Sachindra Kumar Borthakur
Abstract
The present study describes the leaf architecture of Brucea mollis Wall. ex Kurz using different attributes such as number of leaflets, leaf attachment, petiole length, blade class, laminar shape, margin, apex and base, vein categories, spacing and angle, looping, tracheids, stomatal features and developmental pattern of lamina. The study exhibits four different types of architectural variations depending on the numbers of leaflets. The venation pattern is pinnate followed by lower orders brochidodromous, percurrent or cascade and lattice. The development of leaves of B. mollis is simultaneous with the presence of percurrent tertiaries. The redundant vein network system represents significant functional and ecological utilities of the leaves in smooth conduction of water and prevent from damages. Present study of leaf architectural characters along with other morphological characters can be utilized in further taxonomic and systematic study of the species.