Comparative Analysis of Vegetative Development and Leaf Morpho-Anatomy in Three Taxa of Ornamental <i>Alocasia</i> (Araceae)
Krisantini,
Megayani Sri Rahayu,
Juang Gema Kartika,
Diny Dinarti,
Yunita Sulistyo Putri,
Deden D. Matra,
Daawia,
Ni Putu Sri Asih,
Melodina Fabillo
Affiliations
Krisantini
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Megayani Sri Rahayu
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Juang Gema Kartika
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Diny Dinarti
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Yunita Sulistyo Putri
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Deden D. Matra
Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Daawia
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cenderawasih, Jayapura 99581, Indonesia
Ni Putu Sri Asih
Research Center of Biosystematics and Evolution, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl. Raya Jakarta—Bogor KM. 46 Cibinong, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
Melodina Fabillo
Queensland Herbarium and Biodiversity Science (BRI), Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong, QLD 4066, Australia
This study examines the growth patterns, leaf morpho-anatomical traits and physiological characteristics of three ornamental taxa of Alocasia: A. melo, A reginae and Alocasia × morfontanensis ‘Bambino’. Using optical and scanning electron microscopy, the research obtained anatomical details of the leaves. Alocasia × morfontanensis ‘Bambino’ exhibited the highest leaf growth rate among the taxa studied, showing significant leaf number increases from the 8th to the 12th week after planting. Alocasia melo produced 2–3 new basal shoots after 20 weeks, whereas the other two taxa did not produce any. Alocasia melo displayed the greatest relative water content and leaf thickness, while A. reginae showed the highest chlorophyll stability. This study also revealed variations in the adaxial and abaxial leaf color, stomatal width, epidermal thickness, and elemental composition among the taxa involved, with A. melo containing rhodium and high levels of calcium on their leaf surface. These findings contribute to the understanding of the Alocasia leaf morpho-anatomy and growth, which is useful for optimizing Alocasia cultivation and production across diverse ecosystems.
