Abstract

The study reports variation in the structure and distribution of stomata in some members of Solanaceae viz., Datura innoxia Miller, Solanum nigrum L., Solanum surattens Burm. f., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal and Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal. The type of stomata, density, frequency, stomatal index, size of stomatal pore (average length and width), size of guard cells (average length and width) and percentage of the open and close stomata were determined. The upper epidermises of the five plants contain anomotetracytic, anisocytic and amphianisocytic and the lower epidermises of these plants contain anomotetracytic, anisocytic, paracytic and amphianisocytic. The statistical evaluation of the stomata and epidermis included mean, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variance, standard error and 95% confidence interval for mean were carried out. The study indicates the taxonomic utility of the stomatal type.

Key words: Stomatal study, statistical analysis, Solanaceae.