Morpho-Anatomical Studies ofCoccinia barteri(Hook. F.) Keay Cucurbitaceae

Abstract

Detailed studies were carried out on the morphology and anatomy of Coccinia barteri (Hook. f.) Keay Cucurbitaceae in Nigeria, because the plant is medicinally useful and has not been fully described. Hand sections of vegetative parts were made and observed. Interesting and significant diagnostic features were observed and they include variations in the arrangement of vascular bundles in the midribs of the male and female collections. The morphological features of interest include the fruit size, shape and flower colour. The presence of a sclerenchymatous endodermis in the secondary structure is also diagnostic and is reported for the first time. The usefulness of these features in the taxonomic delimitation of this species is discussed.