One of the most interesting internal features of the several species ofRhizophora has been the presence of varied types of foliar sclereids. This feature has been examined with a view to find out their utility in the satisfactory revision of this genus.

One of the most interesting endomorphic features of several species ofBoronia has been the discovery of varied types of terminal sclereids and tracheoids throughout the leaf expanses. Their typology has been examined with a view to find out their diagnostic or taxonomic value and also in solving problems of nomenclatural synonymy in the systematic treatment ofBoronia.

A comparative study on the veinlet endings in 118 taxa ofHibbertia has been made. The vein-endings have been classified into three categories, namely conventional tracheids, tracheoids and sclereids. Typological features of the tracheoids and sclereids are found to be of exceptional interest in the provisional confirmation of a few taxa and also for understanding the taxonomy of this genus.

A resume on the morphological features of tracheoids has been presented under various typological heads with examples drawn from the published literature to enhance their utility in detailed descriptions of tracheoids. Depending on the constancy of cell form the tracheoids are classified under two groupings: homomorphic and heteromorphic. Homomorphic group includes brachytracheoids, sclerotracheoids, macrotracheoids, tubuliform spirotracheoids, vermiform tracheoids and loratotracheoids. Heteromorphic grouping includes heterotracheoids. Each type represents a descriptive unit recognised on the cell form and is supported by a qualifying description for their delimitation.

In the taxonomically unsatisfactory grouping of the Nymphaeaceaesensu lato, an attempt has been made to analyse the role of sclereids in different taxa to understand the taxonomic range of this character. The presence or absence of sclereids tends to support familial segregations as suggested by recent workers. Further, it is concluded that their occurrence is not a part of character-syndrome of any particular ecological niche.

A topographic survey of the laminae ofGarrya has revealed that sclereids are present only in 14 taxa and they conform to polymorphic, groupings. The usefulness of sclereids in the provisional identification, nomenclatural changes and taxonomic status has been discussed.

The foliar sclereids in 134 species ofBoronia have been studied on the basis of revealed morphological data. The vein-endings display three types, namely conventional tracheids, terminal tracheoids and terminal sclereids. Terminal trecheoids and terminal sclereids are classified into distinct types. They are of considerable morphogenic interest.

The present work has revealed that 32 out of 38 taxa ofIsopogon possess variously shaped sclereids of diffuse pattern. Some species have grotesquely mis-shapen sclereids with thick wall and blunt arms. They are designated as gnarlyform sclereids. Further, the taxonomic problems alluded to by Bentham are discussed in relation to the types of foliar sclereids.

Foliar sclereids inLimonium Tour. exhibits diffuse, terminal or mixed patterns of distribution. A few instances have been focussed to place on record the importance of sclereids in any future taxonomic revision of this genus.

Anatomy of vegetative parts and its ecological significance in 10 taxa of Indian maritime strand flora, namelyAllmania nodiflora, Canavalia maritima, Euphorbia atoto, Halopyrum mucronatum, Indigofera uniflora, Messerchimidia argentea, Scaevola plumierii, Scaevola taccada, Sesamum prostratum andThespesia populnea are described.

A majority ofAdenanthos species possess diffuse sclereids. They are classified into major types. Their presence or absence is listed in Nelson’s revised scheme of classification on this genus to indicate the overall perspective of their use in taxonomy. Further taxonomic problems alluded to by Nelson are illuminated here by sclereid typology.

Strand plant-communities, other than the mangroves, composed of psammophytes, halophytes have been described along with bioclimatic, edaphic factors for the seven coastal biogeographic sub-divisions of the sub-continent.

Studies on leaves of the genera belonging to the two sub-groups: theLyonia and theGaultheria of the tribe Andromedeae were investigated anatomically. In both the groups there are clear vein ending types and also sclereid idioblasts confined to each taxa. Their morphological features could be regarded as diagnostic criteria of taxonomic value and may also serve as an adjunct character in the relationship of species or groups of species within a genus.

The present study has revealed that 24 out of 39 taxa ofPetrophile possess diverse types of sclereids. Further, it is observed that similar types of sclereids are present at the various sectional levels as recognised by Bentham. Their morphological aspects and systematic applicability have been discussed.

Veinlet sheathing of twenty-six species ofPancheria is described and illustrated. Within the genus foliar vein sheathing varies from almost completely lacking to abundant, and individual sheath cells show much variation in cell wall composition and structure. The topographical distribution of sheath cells along the vein system, when coupled with the structure of individual sheathing elements, can be utilized to distinguish three anatomical groups of species. Although the evolutionary sequence and ecological significance of the diverse sheath types are at present unresolved, features of vein sheathing appear to be of systematic significance and may provide an additional basis for a better understanding of infraspecific relationships within this genus.