STUDIES ON ROOT ANATOMY AND STOMATA IN VARIANTS OF CLITORIA TERNATEA L., AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT

Root anatomy for seven variants of Clitoria ternatea including single forms of blue, white, light blue, violet, double forms of blue, pink and white was examined. Slight anatomical variations were observed in number of epidermal cells, width of cortical region, diameter of stelar region, diameter of larger five vessels etc. The stomatal index was also calculated. From the data, ?double white? was distinct from the other variants. These variations are significant for the assessment of intraspecific variability within the species. Comprehensive anatomical studies in seven different variants of C. ternatea has not been carried out earlier.