The Study on the Leaf Anatomy of Some Mangrove Species of China

A anatomical study was made of the leaves of seven mangrove species collected from Fugong Longhai of Fujian (24deg54' N, 117deg23' E). The tissue structure in each case was determined in terms of cell layers present and their relative thickness. Two species showed isobilateral leaf structure and the remaining five species dorsiventral. Leaf thickness was found to vary from 327.83 mum (Avicennia marina) to 666.60 mum (Kandelia candel) and an average of 514.50 mum. Sonneratia. apetala was found to have stomata on both surfaces of the lamina. The average of the stomatal complex dimension was found to be 31.1 mum by 17.9 mum. The average number of stomata per given area, and the average leaf area for each species were also determined. The ecophysiological significance of the present data like leaf area, the relative leaf thickness, and other anatomical characters is discussed with reference to the published literature.