Shoot morphology of some Capparaceae and Combretaceae plantations in the

This study was conducted in the Kordofan region of Sudan during 2011–12. It was devoted to the morphology associated to the juvenile development and performance of tree species of Capparaceae and Combretaceae in a nursery and early field growth. The nursery experiment was conducted to study morphological characters to identify seedlings of tree species under study. Seedlings were transplanted to the field whereupon a field trial for sapling characters was carried out. A total of 19 species in eight genera were recorded, representing the two families. The main results related to the morphological characters of nursery seedlings and field saplings. Analysis of variance showed significant differences (P = <0.001) in seedlings’ and saplings’ growth parameters. Height growth varied significantly, across the Capparaceae species, maximum seedling height (17.75 cm), while highest collar diameter (0.133 cm) and leaf length (3.213 cm) were found in Maerua crassifolia followed by Maerua angolensis the lowest was in Cadaba. At the sapling stage, the mean leaf size (length and width) significantly varied and was highest in Cadaba rotundifolia, 2.850 × 2.650 cm (of Capparaceae) and in Terminalia laxiflora, 4.700 × 2.280 cm (of Combretaceae). Utilizing all these morphological characters (both qualitative and quantitative) at different growth stages of Capparaceae and Combretaceae members, coupled with photographic data, short dichotomous keys were developed for easy identification of seedlings and saplings of these families and might be used as a template for general plant identification in the region.