COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF STOMATA OF ALOE RAUHII REYNOLDS AND GASTERIA ARMSTRONGII SCHOENL

In the present investigation two succulents, Aloe rauhii Reynolds and Gasteria armstrongii Schoenl, of family Asphodelaceae were considered for the comparative stomatal studies. The results obtained after studies showed that both the genera have tetracytic stomata. The maximum stomatal index was recorded in the apex portion of adaxial surface (15.205 ? 1.06 ?) in Gasteria armstrongii Schoenl. The longest (45.3 ? 0.76 ?) and the widest (46.5 ? 0.64 ?) stomata were also recorded in Gasteria armstrongii Schoenl. It was concluded that both genera are closely related and the rate of transpiration is higher in Gasteria armstrongii Schoenl as compared to Aloe rauhii Reynolds.