Morphological and Anatomical Studies of Leaves of Different Plants Affected by Motor Vehicles Exhaust

Morphological and anatomical studies of leaves of roadside trees (Ficus bengalensis L., Guaiacum officinale L. and Eucalyptus sp.) of polluted and unpolluted areas were carried out. All the plants showed no visible morphological and anatomical changes. However, some reduction in these characters were observed in leaves which were collected from the city center. Significant reduction in length and area of leaflets and length of petiole of G. officinale of polluted plants was recorded. Similarly, reduction in the anatomical characteristics of polluted leaves of the above mentioned species was also observed. Significant reduction was particularly recorded in spongy parenchyma and lower epidermis in F. bengalensis and Eucalyptus sp., respectively.