Characterization of the leaf morpho-anatomy of Barringtonia asiatica L. (Lecythidaceae) from Manila and Batangas

• Main Author: Aquino, Jose Romelio G.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Lecythidaceae > Philippines; Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/2687
• Institution: De La Salle University

Characterization of the leaf morpho-anatomy of Barringtonia asiatica L. (Lecythidaceae) from Manila and Batangas was carried out. The characters measured were leaf stomatal index, thickness of cuticle, epidermis and total leaf found in Matuod, Lian Batangas and in De La Salle University Manila. Elemental microanalysis on the leaf abaxial surface was done through SEM-EDX. Air quality data were derived from DLSU Earth Lab weather station and DENR. Results showed that the leaves of B. asiatica growing in Batangas have greater stomatal index, cuticle thickness and total leaf while the trees growing in Manila exhibit thicker epidermal layers. Significant differences in all parameters were found between the two sites through MANOVA. Results from SEM-EDX revealed the presence of elements C, O, Na, Mg, Al, Si and Cl in both Manila and Batangas samples. Batangas samples also showed the presence of K, Ca and Fe. Reduced stomatal index, cuticle and total leaf thickness in B. asiatica growing in Manila may be attributed to the phytotoxic effects of O₃, NO₂ and SO₂ found to be higher in Manila based on available weather station readings. Thus, B. asiatica and the morpho-anatomical characters of its leaves are herein considered good air quality indicators.