Anatomical Study of Garden Nasturtium (Tropaeolum Majus L.) Growing under the Climatic Conditions of Annaba (Eastern Algeria)

Abstract

Tropaeolum majus L. (garden nasturtium) is a fast growing climbing annual plant characterized by its leaf venation. It is known for its medicinal, ornamental and culinary utility. The aim of this work was to study the anatomy of the garden nasturtium growing under the climatic conditions of Annaba (eastern Algeria). Garden nasturtium stem, petiole, leaf and root were harvested during the month of November (2016). Microscopic observation of the different organs revealed that the anatomy of this plant contains much more hydrophilic cellulosic tissues (parenchyma and collenchymas) than hydrophobic lignified tissues. We can deduce that garden nasturtium requires a high humidity which explains the great growth of this species under the climatic conditions of the region of Annaba, characterized by Mediterranean climate (high rainfall, high atmospheric humidity and mild temperature).