Morphological Characterization of the Genus Datura: Section Stramonium

To achieve a systematic identification and differentiation of the species belonging to the various sections of this genus, the surface characteristics of species of section Stramonium (D. stramonium L., D. inermis Jacq., D. tatula L., D. stramonium L. var. godronii Danert, D. ferox L., D. quercifolia H.B.K.) have been examined by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Cell shape and size, number and disposition of both protective and glandular hairs, stomatal, vein-islet and veinlet termination numbers allow one to characterize the different samples examined.