Comparative Macromorphology and Micromorphology of Hypoestes rosea P. Beauv. and Asystasia gangeticaT. Anderson (Acanthaceae)

Hypoestes rosea P.Beauv. andAsystasia gangetica T.Andersonare similar and thus difficult to separate morphologically. Therefore, a comparative anatomical study of the two species was undertaken in search of constant characters to establish clear-cut distinction between them. Samples of the leaf, stem and petiole of H. rosea and A. gangetica were sectioned by microtome into 30-45μ thickness, stained, mounted on microscope slides and examined by the light microscope. Presence of multicellular glandular trichome and amphistomatic leaf in H. rosea distinguishes it from A. gagentica which has hollow pith and hypostomatic leaf. H. rosea and A. gangetica which are morphologically indistinguishable can be readily separated using anatomical characters.