Leaf Architectural Studies in Some Cucurbitaceae

Architectural features of the leaf in 31 taxa of Cucurbitaceae have been studied of which 26 taxa are investigated for the first time. The leaves are palmately lobed and venation is exclusively actinodromous. The marginal ultimate venation is either looped or incomplete and the highest vein order resolved is 50 to 70.. Quantitative parameters like the number of secondary veins, areoles and vein-endings per unit area have been analyzed. Vein terminations are conventional or dilated. Isolated tracheids and extension cells are present in a few taxa. Presence of bundle sheath is found to be a common feature in Cucurbitaceae. Based on the leaf architectural characteristics, a key is presented for delimitation of the taxa studied.