Variations in Leaf morphology of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) in Sudan

Abstract

Adansonia digitata L. is an important tree for the livelihood of people in arid zones. Therefore, selection of superior phenotypes of leaves and fruit trees and products is essential for future species cultivation and conservation. Thus the objective of this study was to characterize and assess leaf morphology of Adansonia  digitata in relation to fruit morphology and  location. Five to twenty individuals’ trees were sampled randomly within baobab population for morphometric measurements. From each tree, six fresh leaves without any damage were selected from different positions of tree crown and kept in labeled plastic bags. It was characterized for leaf size, thickness, and stomata density on the abaxial surface of leaves. Variations analysis was employed using SPSS and Excel programs. Our preliminary results indicated high significant variations in leaves characters (medial leaflet length, leaflet width, number of leaflet and medial leaflet thickness) and stomata density.  Higher stomata density was found in North Kordofan state (101.36±14.77), dry area compared to those from Blue Nile state (83.36±12.95) wetter area.

Trees from Blue Nile state study site showed greater leaves size than those from North Kordofan state. It seems that environment may play a role in baobab trees leaves morphology. However, additional research on tree genetics is necessary to complement the baobab resources cultivation and conservation