Diversity and clustering analysis of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br from Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia based on morphological and anatomical characters

This study aimed to determine the diversity and clustering of Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R.Br) from Kupang District based on morphological and anatomical characters. This research used descriptive qualitative and quantitative methods. To show the clustering relationship, we used the UPGMA method similarity by the Nei Li coefficient through the MVSP software program version 3.2. Results showed that there was a relationship of Faloak plants from both locations in Kupang district forming 4 groups including Group I (Kupang Barat populations); Group II (Taebenu 3 pupulation), Group III (Kupang Barat 3 and Taebenu 2 populations) and Group IV (Kupang Barat 2 and Taebenu 1 populations). The anatomical characters showed a clear similarity on the epidermal cell, thick inner wall, guard cell, and stomatal pore. The type of trichome on the leaves of Faloak plants from these two sub-districts also showing a similarity, namely non-glandular trichome type.