Comparative Taxonomic Studies Of Mimosa Species (Leguminosae — Mimosoideae)

ABSTRACT

Morphological, anatomical, palynological and histochemical investigations were carried out on three species of mimosa — M. Pudica, M. invisa. And M. pigra. These studies were carried out using a Leitz Wetzler ortholus contrast microscope filled with Vivitar — V335 camera. The results obtained from the studies of epidermis shoved variations in shape of cells, which varied from irregular to rectangular. Also variations were observed in the epidermal cell walls, which were straight-walled and sinus (wavy) in nature. The presence of raphides were observed in M. pigra and the pollen of the species studied varied from circular and round in M. pudica to oval-shaped in Al. invisa and Al. pigra. The usefulness of these observations in understanding the characterization and differentiation of the different species were highlighted.