International Journal of Botany1811-97001811-9719Asian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/ijb.2020.9.19Vernonia Species, from Nigeria]]>ChinweU. Asuzu 12020161Background and Objectives: Leaf epidermal strip, transverse sections of midrib and petiole of five species of Vernonia from South-eastern Nigeria namely; Vernonia ambigua, Vernonia amygdalina (bitter forms), Vernonia amygdalina (non-bitter forms), V. cinerea and V. glaberrima were examined using a calibrated motican microscope to determine leaf epidermal cell and other leaf anatomical features of taxonomic importance. V. glaberrima is famed as a very potent anti-malarial plant, though it grows in the wild, it is often spared during bush clearing. Vernonia ambigua and V. cinerea are both used as medicine though they are regarded as weeds. Vernonia amygdalina (bitter and non-bitter) grow in homestead as vegetable(readily available all the year) and as medicine for various ailments. Part of the aim of this study was to examine anatomical differences between these two forms towards contributing to the determination of their varietal or species status. Materials and Method: Epidermal preparation of freshly collected leaves together with transverse sections of the midrib and petiole were made. Results: Variations were observed among the species in their stomatal index, midrib and petiole outline, number of layers of collenchyma, number and shape of vascular bundles, shape of anticlinal walls in both adaxial and abaxial epidermis and guard cell dimensions. Marked differences were observed in the epidermal strips of the bitter and non-bitter varieties of V.amygdalina. It is suggested that DNA test should be carried out to determine if the two should be given species status. Conclusion: Anatomical features of the midrib, petiole and epidermal strip provided sufficient data to separate the species of Vernonia studied.]]>Nwakanma, N.M.C., K.O. Adekoya, A.B. Kadiri and B.O. Oboh,2018Vernonia.]]>95973Munir, M., M.A. Khan, M. Ahmad, A.M. Abbasi and M. Zafar et al.,2011528572862Metcalfe, C.R. and L. Chalk,1989Oxford, UKOxford, UKKadiri, A.B. and J.D. Olowokudejo,2010Ludwigia (Onagraceae).]]>165764Bremer, K. and A.A. Anderberg,1994Pages: 752Pages: 752Keeley, S.C. and R.K. Jansen,1994Vernonieae (Asteraceae), an initial appraisal of the relationship of New and Old World taxa and the monophyly of Vernonia.]]>193249265Toyang, N.J. and R. Verpoorte,2013Vernonia (Asteraceae).]]>146681723Bar, E., B.K. Jana and S.K. Mukherjee,20121208217Omoigui, I.D. and O.S.A. Aromose,20125160167Oladele, F.A.,1990Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia cinerea.]]>37177Adedeji, O. and O.A. Jewoola,200836716Burkill, H.M.,2000Pages: 981Pages: 981Builders, M.I., N.N. Wannang, G.A. Ajoku, P.F. Builders, A. Orisadipe and J.C. Aguiyi,2011Vernonia ambigua Kotschy and Peyr (Asteraceae).]]>7238247Aliyu, A.B., A.M. Musa, M.S. Abdullahi, H. Ibrahim and A.O. Oyewale,2011Vernonia ambigua, Vernonia blumeoides and Vernonia oocephala (Asteraceae)]]>686773Kamatenesi-Mugisha, M. and H. Oryem-Origa,200710919Ijeh, I.I. and C.E.C.C. Ejike,2011Vernonia amygdalina Del.]]>510511061Nalule, A.S., C.N. Karue and E. Katunguka-Rwakishaya,2011Phytolacca dodecandra and Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts in naturally infected small East African goats.]]>2011Arhoghro, E.M., K.E. Ekpo, E.O. Anosike and G.O. Ibeh,2009Vernonia amygdalina Del) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver damage in albino Wistar rats.]]>26122130Ojiako, O.A. and H.U. Nwanjo,2006Vernonia amygdalina hepatotoxic or hepatoprotective? Response from biochemical and toxicity studies in rats.]]>516481651Moshi, M.J., D.F. Otieno, P.K. Mbabazi and A. Weisheit,20092009Padal, S.B., P.P. Murty, D.S. Rao and M. Venkaiah,201027091Abdullahi, M., A. Uba, A. Yaro, O. Maxwell and A. Yusuf et al.,2015Vernonia glaberrima (Asteraceae).]]>3169177Inyang, P.E.B.,19781978pp: 86-97pp: 86-97Abdulrahaman, A.A., F.O. Egbedo and F.A. Oladele,2009Dioscorea.]]>61847851Tekin, M. and C. Kartal,2016Tanacetum (Asteraceae) taxa from Turkey.]]>4815011515Ekeke, C. and S.I. Mensah,201510200205Metcalfe, C.R. and L. Chalk,1950Vol. 1-2,Akinnubi, F.M., A.J. Akinloye and O.T. Oladipo,20137608612Kemka-Evans, C.I., B. Okoli and C.U. Nwachukwu,2014Vernonia Schreb. in Southern Nigeria.]]>15137141Cavalli-Sforza, L.L.,1986Pages: 461Pages: 461Aworinde, D.O., B.O. Ogundairo and S.M. Erinoso,2013Vernonia SCHREB (Asteraceae) in Nigeria.]]>44347Narayana, B.M.,1979Vernonia Schreb. (Asteraceae).]]>88347357Rahman, A.H.M.M., A.K.M.R. Islam and M.M. Rahman,201331323