Comparative studies on Leaf and Stem Anatomy of Two Cyperus species

Cyperus rotundus and C. difformis are members of Cyperaceae family which are well-known problematic weeds in the agricultural ecosystem. Although they have different morphological and anatomical characteristics, belong to the same genus and family. The leaves and stems of both species were anatomically characterized in this study to identify diagnostic features and determine a possible relationship between C. rotundus and C. difformis. Epidermal and cross sections of leaves and stems were examined using standard anatomical methods. Transverse sections of leaves and stems of both species displayed useful diagnostic traits. The absence of kranz tissue and minor vascular bundles in C. difformis leaves contrasts with the presence of kranz tissue and minor vascular bundles in C. rotundus. The center of the leaf is occupied by a major vascular bundle encircled by a bundle sheath in both species. The existence of air cavities in the transverse section of C. difformis stem indicated their growing habit under submergence. The higher stomatal density and less interveinal distance were observed in C. difformis than C. rotundus. The results showed that leaf anatomical characters in two species, such as the presence of kranz tissue and interveinal distance, provide a reliable basis for the Cyperus genus, which contains species with both C3 and C4 plants. C. difformis is a C3 species, while C. rotundus is a C4 species.