Identification of five species of Beilschmiedia using leaf architecture – an anatomical tool

Abstract

The genus Beilschmiedia belongs to family Lauracaeae. For the present study five species of genus Beilschmiedia namely Beilschmiedia assamica, B. gammieana, B. roxburghiana, Beilschmiedia brandisii and B. fagifolia were collected. All five species of genus Beilschmiedia studied all show Pinnate Camptodromous festooned brochidodromous type of venation. The highest vein order is 6o. Based on the secondary veins angle of divergence and angle of origin of tertiary veins, the species can be further separated. There is very little work done on the the leaf architecture studies in this genus and so this present study was undertaken. The species are so intimate by their leaf morphological characters, it is often difficult to determine their nomenclature types. Hence attempt has been made to recognise the taxonomic value of laminar architecture of the species growing in India.