UC Irvine

SUMMARY: The stomata of Arachnis cv. Maggie Oei, Aranda cv. Deborah, Arundina graminifolia, Bromheadia finlaysoniana, Cattleya bowringiana×C. forbesii and Spathoglottis plicata (Orchidaceae) occur only on the lower epidermis of the leaves and are located within hyperstomatic chambers formed by cuticular ledges extending from the guard cells. Arachnis, Aranda and Cattleya have thick leaves which exhibit Crassulacean acid metabolism, and their stomata open when acidity levels are lowest, or shortly thereafter. Aranda and Arachnis require higher light intensities for sufficient deacidification to permit stomatal opening than Cattleya. Stomata of the thin‐leaved Arundina, Bromheadia and Spathoglottis open during the day. The stomatal rhythms, morphology and distribution, as well as the pathways of carbon fixation and light requirements for deacidification, reflect the natural habitat of each species or the parents of the three hybrids.