Foliar epidermal anatomy of some ethnobotanically important species of wild edible fruits of northern Pakistan

The present study is focused on the foliar epidermal anatomy of some ethnobotanically important species of wild edible fruits that is, Berberis lycium Royle, Diospyrous lotus L., Morus alba L., Morus leavigata Bureau, Morus nigra L., Morus laevigata var. rubra L., Myresine africana L., Pistacia integerrima J. L. Stewart, Prunus persica L., and Zanthoxylum armatum DC., Prodr. The objective of the present study is to use the foliar epidermal characteristics for the identification and differentiation of wild edible fruits. The study used light microscopic (LM) for the characterization of foliar epidermis. Shape of epidermal cells, presence and type of stomata and trichomes and stomatal index plays a key role in the identification of these species. This study also highlights the ethnobotanical uses of these wild fruits against different diseases and as a nutrient supplement. Although, detailed characterization of these species at molecular and genetic level is still needed.