Comparative Petiole Anatomy of 36 Woody Plant Species in Northeastern Mexico and its Significance in Taxonomy and Adaptation

A comparative study on petiole anatomy of 36 woody species in Northeastern Mexico was undertaken in Forest Science Faculty, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The results show a large variability among species in various anatomical traits which can be used in taxonomic delimitation. Species were grouped on the basis of various petiole anatomical traits. In addition several species are selected for few desirable traits. Only five species are mentioned for each desirable trait such those having large vascular bundle are efficient in the transport of nutrients and water viz. Acacia berlandieri, A. rigidula, Diospyros palmeri, Fraxinus greggii, Guiacum angustifolia, thick petiole (Acacia berlandieri, A. farnesiana, Berberis chococo, Bernardia myricifolia, Eysenhardtia texana) and mechanical tissues such as thick cuticle (A. berlandieri, Celtis pallida, Condalia hookeri, Eysenhardtia texana, Gymnosperma glutinosum), a thick collenchyma (A. Farnesiana, Berberis chococo, Bernardia myricifolia, Celtis pallida, Havardia pallens) and extra sclerenchyma bands offer mechanical strength (A. berlandieri, Ebenopsis ebano, Eysenhardtia texana, Lantana macropoda, Prosopis laevigata, Xanthoxylum fagara). The species having the combination of various desirable traits are expected to be more efficient in the physiological function and mechanical support. In this respect, we can mention Acacia berlandieri as an ideal species.