Journal of Plant Sciences1816-4951xxxx-xxxxxAcademic Journals Inc.10.3923/jps.2012.163.175Jatropha species in the Niger Delta]]>NwokochaBlessing A. AgbagwaIkechukwu O. OkoliBosa E. 5201275The morphology (vegetative and floral) of Jatropha L. species (Jatropha curcas L., Jatropha gossypifolia L., Jatropha multifida L. and Jatropha podagrica Hook) in parts of the Niger Delta was investigated. The study aimed at establishing taxonomic affinities and differences between these species based on their leaves, inflorescences, flowers, fruits and seed characteristics. Visual observations, measurements and photographs of relevant organs of wild and ornamental collections of the four species were taken. Results obtained showed that the four species differ distinctively in leaf outline, leaf length, leaf base, margin and texture with the glandular leaf margin of J. gossypifolia and incised lobes of J. multifida being diagnostic and asserting their statuses as taxonomic species. Leaf length varied from 7.01±0.90 cm in J. gossypifolia to 24.75±1.18 cm in J. podagrica. The distinct yellowish-green flower colour of J. curcas distinguishes it from other species which possess different shades of red colour. Variation was observed in fruit shape (ellipsoid and tear-drop shapes) of J. curcas showing that intraspecific morphological or ecological types exist within this species. However, similarities were observed in leaf venation which is actinodromous and basal in all species and in floral arrangement which is cymose. These and other features confirm the relatedness of the species.]]>Agbagwa, I.O.,2007Abrus species in Nigeria.]]>1841852Akyalcin, H., F. Ozen and B. Dulger,2006Amsonia orientalis Decne. (Apocynaceae) growing in Turkey.]]>29399Burkill, H.M.,1994Vol. 2,pp: 87-94pp: 87-94Viscosi, V. and A. Cardini,20112011Fairless, D.,2007449652655Gill, L.N.,1988pp: 69-107.pp: 69-107.Ghosh, A., S. Gupta, S. Maity and S. Das,20083916Hutchinson, J. and J.M. Dalziel,1958Vol. 1, 2nd Edn.,pp: 396-397pp: 396-397Heller, J.,1996Jatropha curcas Promoting the Conservation and Use of Underutilized and Neglected Crops.]]>Jafari, A., Z. Fathi and M. Bemani,2009Silene L. species in North-East of Iran.]]>3667676Krishnan, P.R. and M. Paramathma,2009Jatropha species wealth of India.]]>9710001004Mbagwu, F.N. and H.O. Edeoga,2006Vigna species (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae).]]>917541758Metcalfe, C.R. and L. Chalk,1979OxfordOxfordNwokocha, A. Blessing, I.O. Agabagwa and B.E. Okoli,2011Jatropha L. species in the Niger Delta.]]>5107114Silva, J.G., H.D. Ferreira, M.T. Faria, M.A. Schliewe and M.H. Rezende et al.,2011Hyptis Jacq.]]>74252Csurhes, S.M., 1994Jatropha gossypiifolia) in Queensland.]]>1994