Morphological variability of the leaf epidermis in selected taxa of the genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) and its taxonomic implications

The leaf epidermis of 36 taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and cultivars) of the genus Ficus (subgenera Ficus, Synoecia, Sycomorus, Pharmacosycea and Urostigma) was observed under LM and SEM. Characteristics of the epidermis are of particular taxonomic as well as phylogenetic interest because they differ conspicuously between species. The differences are especially prominent in the size and shape of epidermal cells, the shape of cell walls, peristomatal cuticular rim, the distribution and position of stomata, lithocysts, hydathodes, trichomes, and the types of wax, cuticle and trichomes. Results of this study provided data on new qualitative and quantitative traits of the leaf epidermis in the selected taxa, and confirmed the classification suggested by Berg (1989).