A comparative study on stomatal architecture in some angiospermic plants of DDU Gorakhpur university campus

Abstract

The present study investigates the comparative stomatal architecture of selected angiospermic plant species growing within the campus of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Uttar Pradesh, India. Leaf samples from diverse taxa were examined using light microscopy to determine stomatal type, distribution, density, size, and stomatal index. Both hypostomatic and amphistomatic conditions were observed, but, all studied taxa in euphorbiaceae and nyctaginaceae were hypostomatic and amphistomatic respectively. The variations in stomatal morphology, including anomocytic, paracytic, diacytic, and anisocytic types were observed. Stomatal frequency ranged widely among species i.e. lowest in Tectona grandis (75.80±5.43) followed by Vitex negundo (103.20±3.63) and Premna serratifolia (105.20±4.68) while highest in Mentha piperita (205.80±9.56) succeeding Mirabilis jalapa (181.20±10.35). Variation in stomatal frequency reflecting ecological adaptations to microclimatic conditions of the campus environment. Smaller stomata with low density were generally associated with species adapted xeric conditions, whereas larger, abundant stomata occurred in shade-tolerant plants. The findings provide valuable insights into the taxonomic relevance of stomatal traits. This comparative analysis contributes to understanding adaptive strategies in angiosperms and serves as a reference for future ecological, physiological, and systematic studies.