Epidermal and Cuticular Mounts of Plant Material Obtained by Maceration

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Abstract
Mounts of leaf and stem epidermises or bare cuticles, useful in both general anatomical and specialized phylogenetic studies, can be prepared by a maceration process using Jeffrey's solution (equal volumes of 10% aqueous CrO3 and 10% HNO3). Leaves, including those of conifers, and stems with cuticles thick enough to maintain integrity when isolated are amenable to this process. Dried specimens are hydrated by boiling in water; fluid-preserved specimens are washed thoroughly in water; fresh specimens need no pretreatment. Specimens are cut to a convenient mount size and trimmed so as to allow adequate and even penetration of the macerating fluid. Laminar leaf segments are left with one edge untrimmed so that upper and lower epidermises remain contiguous. Cylindrical leaf and stem segments are slit lengthwise through about half their thickness. Specimens are macerated in Jeffrey's solution for 1 to 4 days until unwanted tissues are loosened and easily freed from the epidermis (or bare cuticle, if that is desired). The macerating fluid is then washed out completely with changes of water and specimens are stained in a 0.5% aqueous solution of safranin. Dehydration is accomplished with several changes of tertiary butanol. All unwanted tissues not removed by agitation during previous steps of the process are removed by teasing prior to mounting. Specimens are then mounted on slides in Canada balsam and dried in the usual manner.