Comparative leaf anatomy of Alpinia Roxb. species (Zingiberaceae) from China

The leaf anatomy of 20 Alpinia species from China was investigated. Results show that there is interspecific variation in the structure of the leaf midrib and petiole which can be used for species identification. Adaxial hypodermis is present in the lamina in all species of subgenus Catimbium and absent from all species of subgenera Dieramalpinia and Probolocalyx and Alpinia, excepting A. conchigera, A. galanga and A. aquatica, which appear to be closely allied in having subepidermal fibres in midribs and petioles, which are absent from the rest of the species. (C) 2000 The Linnean Society of London.