THE STOMATA OF NELUMBO NUCIFERA: FORMATION,DISTRIBUTION AND DEGENERATION

Contrary to earlier reports, well-organized but fewer stomata develop on the lower surface of the leaves of Nelumbo nucifera Willd. during aerial growth. The stomata, however, become obliterated by the readjustment of neighboring epidermal cells. During initial stages of degeneration the guard cells show irregularly thickened walls, disintegrated nuclei, and highly vacuolated cytoplasm. Such abnormal features finally lead to the disappearance of stomata from the lower surface of leaves. The ontogeny, structure and distribution of stomata on leaves, perianth lobes, stamens, receptacles and carpels are described. The stomata are haplocheilic in development and are anomocytic (ranunculaceous) at maturity. The concept of a meristemoid and the significance of this study in taxonomy and phylogeny are discussed.