The Biobrio 9(1 & 2), 2022

Study of stomatal frequency in some species of family Malvaceae in Ranchi District of Jharkhand

Neha Kumari & Kunul Kandir

ABSTRACT:

Malvaceae a family of herbs, with some shrubs and trees, in which leaves are palmately veined,

often lobed, and rich in mucilage. About 85% of traditional medicines are plant derived. Most

of the plants are used decorative and also for medicinal purposes. Present study deals with

morphotaxonomy. Study of stomata is an important part of taxonomy. Stomata is a pore found

in the epidermis of leaves that controls the rate of gas exchange. In the study of stomata,

types of stomata and number of stomata done, and stomatal index is calculated of the

ethnomedicinal plants of family Malvaceae viz Malva sylvestris L., Sida acuta Burm.f., Abutilon

indicum G.Don. These medicinal plants are also used as food, colour and in certain spiritual

activities. Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before prehistoric period.

Traditional systems of medicine are widely practiced in Ranchi district of Jharkhand. In tribal

villages it is found that these Ethnomedicinal plants are used to cure many diseases viz. smaller

injuries, stomachache, fever, gynecological complaints etc.

Keywords:

Stomatal index, Malvaceae, Ethnomedicinal

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