Abstract

In this study the micromorphological diversity linked to different elements silica bodies, epidermal leaf anatomy and elemental dispersive spectrophotometer (EDS) analysis (LM, SEM) of five species of genus Brachiaria was carried out. The technique of EDS analysis for grass taxonomy is used first time in Pakistan. This examination indicates variations in leaf blade epidermal characters such as shapes of silica bodies, prickles, and microhair and macrohair form. EDS analysis of the phytoliths determines a new structure used as an aid in phytosystematic characterization. The quantitative analysis provides silicon as a new taxonomic character to distinguish different species of the genus Brachiaria.

Key words: Epidermal anatomy, micropalynological diversity, elemental dispersive spectrophotometer.