COMPARATIVE LEAF AND ROOT ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF FIVE VARIETIES OF COLOCASIA ESCULENTA (L.) SCHOTT

Abstract

Transverse sections of leaf and root of five varieties of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott present in Anambra State,Southeastern, Nigeria were evaluated to determine the anatomical characters of these plant parts. Fresh leaf and root of three months old plants, grown in March, 2014 were collected, and used for the study. The leaves possessed anomocytic stomatal type with the stomata present in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The root of Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum, ‘kochuo’ and ‘ogeriobosi’ had air chambered cortex, with greater number present in Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum. These anatomical characters could serve as additional data in delimitation of this specie