Anatomical studies on two species of Dracaena in southeastern Nigeria

Chinyere Ilodibia,Clement Okeke,Ebere Akachukwu,Bibian Aziagba,Nneka Okeke,Rachael Ugwu

doi:10.14419/ijbr.v3i1.3770

Abstract

Anatomical studies of transverse, tangential and radial longitudinal sections of roots, stems and leaves of two species of Dracaena present in southeastern Nigeria were investigated, to determine their anatomical features with regards to arrangement of vascular bundles in their roots, stems and leaves and type of secondary growth occurring in them using standard method. T- test was used for the analyses. Result showed that the number of vascular bundles in the leaves and roots of D. arborea are more in number than those of D. mannii but the reverse is the case in the stem. Secondary growth occurs in both D. mannii and D. arborea. The overall analyses showed no significant statistical difference in the anatomy of the two Dracaena species. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement under the same genus Dracaena while the slight differences between them suggest the reason for their separation into different species.

Highlights

The name Dracaena L. is derived from the Greek word drakaina which means a “dragon” and alludes the sap of the stems of Dracaena draco, which was said to resemble dragon’s blood
Result showed that the number of vascular bundles in the leaves and roots of D. arborea are more in number than those of D. mannii but the reverse is the case in the stem
The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement under the same genus Dracaena while the slight differences between them suggest the reason for their separation into different species

Summary

Introduction

The name Dracaena L. is derived from the Greek word drakaina which means a “dragon” and alludes the sap of the stems of Dracaena draco, which was said to resemble dragon’s blood. Some species of Dracaena include Dracaena fragrans, D.surculosa, D. draco, D. marginata, D. arborea, D goldiana., D. sanderina, D. deremensis, D. reflexa, D. mannii etc. In discussing anatomy in relation to taxonomy, he said that anatomy is of restricted value for distinguishing species or groups of less than specific rank, because the differences between them are usually quatitative rather than qualitative, and that “ it is most important to rely upon anatomical characters of which the taxonomic value has been established”. Anatomical characters of taxonomic importance include such characters as type of stomata, width of medullary rays, presence of bicollateral bundles, wood characters etc (Pandey, 2004). The objective of this research, was to study the anatomical features of the transverse, tangential and radial sections of Dracaena mannii and Dracaena arborea with regards to arrangement of vascular bundles in their roots, stems and leaves and type of secondary growth occurring in them

Sources of materials

Anatomical analysis

Result

Conclusion

Findings

Discussion