The systematic anatomy of south Indian Cyperaceae: Cyperus L.subgen. Kyllinga (Rottb.) Suringar

The present work contains anatomical descriptions of seven taxa belonging to Cyperus subgen. Kyllinga. There are 11 characters common to all the specieS. However, in the light of the observed interspecific differences, the species can be broadly segregated into two groups–those with symmetrical leaves (C. brevifolius, C.melanospermus, C.melanospermus ssp. bifolius and C.sesquiflorus ) and those with asymmetrical leaves (C. kyllingia, C.metzii and C. Triceps). The species within each respective group can be distinguished further on the basis of the presence or absence of contents within the adaxial epidermal cells, the shape of the subsidiary cells and the median keel, the presence of a simple or multiple epidermis and solitary or pair of bundles in the midrib, the size of the costal and interstomatal cells and the transectional outline of the leaf. A key based on characters visible in transection of the leaf is presented.