Epidermal morphology of west african okra Abelmoschus caillei (A. Chev.) Stevels from south western Nigeria

A study of the micro-morphology of 53 accessions of West African Okra was undertaken using light microscopy techniques. Results showed that epidermal cells are polygonal, isodiametric and irregularly shaped with different anticlinal cell wall patterns. Stomata type is 100% paracytic and 100% amphistomatic in distribution among the accessions studied. Stomatal indices ranged from 12.23 to 24.34 with 43.40% accessions ranging between 18.00 to 21.00. Stomatal were more frequently on the abaxial surface. Similarly, stomata on the abaxial surface are relatively larger than those of the adaxial surface and stomatal pore sizes also showed similar trend. Trichomes were widely distributed, eglandular, solitary and unicellular types are recorded. These occur in three forms namely, unicellular filiform, unicellular conical and stellate hairs. Variations observed in the structure and distributions of the trichomes were discussed. These micro-morphological features are regarded diagnostic in this species-caillei rather for circumscription among accessions studied.