Anatomical Investigation of Leaves of Sida L. in Uyo, Nigeria and the Taxonomic Implications

Micromorphological features of the leaves of eight common species of Sida in Uyo, Nigeria were examined, in order to determine the taxonomic relationship between them. Plant samples were randomly collected from four locations in Uyo metropolis for investigation. The leaves were hypoamphistomatic and the stomata anisocytic. Abaxial epidermal cells had undulating anticlinal walls except in S. stipulata. Abnormal stomata were found only in S. stipulata.. Druses, hydropoten cells and Trichomes occurred in all the species. Trichomes of S. stipulata were the shortest (30µm). Glandular trichomes occurred on the abaxial epidermis in all the species except Sida sp. where they were found on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The Stomatal Index (S.I.) was highest in S. scabrida (25%) and least in S. stipulata (18%). Unicellular trichome density was higher than other trichomes in all the species except in Sida sp. with a higher density of glandular and stellate trichomes. Striae were observed in all the species. S. stipulata differs from the other species probably due to environmental factors while Sida sp. is a possible new species or a hybrid whose parents can be determined by further investigations.