Leaf anatomy of the South African Danthonieae (Poaceae). IV. Merxmuellera drakensbergensis and M. stereophylla

Abstract

The leaf blade anatomy of  Merxmuellera drakensbergensis (Schweick.) Conert and  M. stereophylla (J. G. Anders.) Conert is described and illustrated. These two closely related species have virtually identical leaf anatomy—both the leaf in section and the abaxial epidermis. The close anatomical resemblance between these two species raises doubts about their specific status. This is especially significant when compared with the considerable differences observed between the anatomical ‘forms’ recognized in  M. disticha (Nees) Conert (Ellis, 1980) and M. stricta (Schrad.) Conert (Ellis, 1980a).