A key based on epidermal characteristics for the identification of certain highveld grasses

Abstract

The grass leaf epidermis shows characteristic featureswhich are taxonomically valuable and which renders leaf fragments identifiable in the stomach contents and faeces of animals.A brief account of the features of the grass epidermis is given,as well as the terminology which is used.A key to identify 60 grass species of the Van Riebeeck NatureReserve, near Pretoria, Republic of South Africa, is given. Thiskey is based on abaxial leaf epidermal characteristics.