Anatomy of petals from some species of Justicia L. (Acanthaceae) from Maharashtra.

The species Justicia betonica L., Justicia procumbens L., Justicia glauca Rottler, Justicia brandegeeana Wassh. & L.B. Sm, Justicia vahlii Roth., and Justicia diffusa Willd. were selected for present investigation, with an objective to study their microscopic anatomical features for identification of species. For this purpose, mechanical scrapping was done on the surfaces of petals, stained, and observed under microscope. All of the species were with similar type of anticlinal cell wall patterns in epidermis of petal surface, which was sinuous. Two or more types (glandular and non-glandular) of trichomes were present in all species, and this character can be used to differentiate Justicia L. species. The species showed peltate and capitate glandular trichomes which were having single or multicellular glands on head.