Abstract
Results are presented of a study on the morphology of the seedlings of Senna alata (L.) Roxb., S. occidentalis (L.) Link., S. siamea (Lam.) Irwin and Barneby, S. sophera (L.) Roxb. var. purpurea (Roxb. ex Lindl.) Singh, S. sulfurea (DC. ex Collad.) Irwin and Barneby, and S. tora (L.) Roxb. All the studied seedlings are of macaranga type. The most important characters that distinguished the studied seedling taxa from each other are hypocotyl surface, shape of paracotyledon blade, leaf petiole, leaflets (number, shape and apex), and extrafloral glands (present or absent and shape). Among the six studied seedling taxa, five are with tetrafoliate first leaf except Senna sulfurea with bifoliate first leaf. These diagnostic characters presented, permitted an elaboration of key of identification for these species. Line drawings and photographs have also been provided. The variations among studied seedling morphology have been discussed.
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