Detailed microscopic profiling of Begonia albococcinea Hook. Used as Kalthamarai

Abstract

Introduction: Begonia albococcinea Hook. commonly known as Kalthamarai is a succulent herb which finds its usage into traditional medicine. This herb has a limited distribution pattern in the southern Western Ghats region and the population is diminishing due to its habitat destruction. Materials and Methods: Authenticated plant was subjected to macroscopy, microscopy, quantitative microscopy and powder microscopic studies as per standard testing protocol. Result and Discussion: The TS of rhizome showed the presence of thick periderm and parenchymatous cortex filled with tannin. The presence of stomatal clusters in the leaves revealed under quantitative microscopy was notable. The powder microscopic studies showed the prescence of libriform fibres, cells containing tannins and cluster crystals. The study will prove to be a comprehensive record of macro-microscopical features of B. albococcinea for identification of this species.