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Abstract
There is a minimal number of research on the leaf architecture characters of mangrove species in the Southern Philippines, despite the use of these characters especially in delineating taxonomically confusing groups. To address this knowledge gap, this paper provides the leaf architecture of selected seventeen (17) mangrove species in Katunggan Coastal Eco-Park, Sultan Kudarat Province, the Philippines. Ten (10) leaf samples of each species were collected and examined. Results revealed that leaf morphometrics displayed unifying and distinguishing characters that can be used as taxonomic markers in identifying mangrove species. Ten characters— base symmetry, apex shape, surface texture, 2° major vein framework, minor 2° course, perimarginal vein, major 2° attachment, major 2° spacing, variation of major 2° angle, and inter-2° frequency—were shown to be distinct in one species. These unique characters showed that the variations in laminar characters and venation patterns are useful in differentiating different mangrove species. A dichotomous key was constructed based on the leaf architectural characters that were measured and described.
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