Preliminary studies on the morphology and anatomy of the root of Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Hutch. and Dalz. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Abstract

A study was conducted on the morphology and anatomy of the root and powdered root bark of Daniellia oliveri. The root of D. oliveri is being used for the treatment of many ailment locally in some West African Countries especially Nigeria. Morphologically, the powdered root is brown in colour, astringent taste, short and fibrous fracture. The anatomical studies on the root and powdered root bark are presented. The result indicated the presence of calcium oxalate prisms (23.91 µm) and abundant starch grains (12.53 to 15 µm) found mostly on the cork cells and cortex, phloem fibers, sclereids and numerous groups of secretary cells (5 to 6 cells) and ducts. Vascular bundles with several proto and metaxylem with parenchymatous pith, cells thick walled and polygonal in shape. These features are diagnostic tools for the identification of the root and powdered root bark of D. oliveri. Key words: Daniellia oliveri, anatomy, morphology, identification.