Collateral Vascular Bundles Research Articles

StemanatomicalstudiesofsomespeciesofIndigoferaL.(Leguminosae-Papilionoideae)

Stem anatomical studies of eight species of the genus Indigofera species common in Eastern Nigeria was carried out with the aid of a light microscope. This is with a view of establishing taxonomic relationship among the species. The type of epidermal and hypodermal layers, nature and size of corticular vessels and vascular bundle arrangement are some of the characters assessed and discussed among the Indigofera species studied. The 3-5 lignified hypodermal layers found in I. paniculata, I. pulchra and I. tinctoria distinguish these species from the other species of Indigofera studied. Similarly the conjoint collateral and open vascular bundle type present in I. paniculata, I. senegalensis and I.stenophylla are remarkable and diagnostic for taxonomic characterization of these species. The cortex is distinct with the variations in size and number of vessels with bigger vessels occurring at the hypodermal region and gradually reducing in size towards the center as observed in I. paniculata and I. pulchra and possess cells that are closely packed with little or no intercellular spaces. The nature of the endodermal layer shows that it is sclerenchymatous in I. paniculata, I. prieureana and I. pulchra. The presence of tannins and other ergastic substance in the stem of these species further confirms the highly tanninferous nature of these plants and hence their economic values to man. The biosystematic implications of these findings have been discussed in the light of current literature.

ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ АНАТОМІЧНОЇ БУДОВИ НАДЗЕМНИХ ОРГАНІВ PRIMULA JULIAE KUSN

Вперше здійснено дослідження особливостей анатомічної будови надземних органів первоцвіту (примули) Юлії родини первоцвіті, в результаті якого виявлено їх характерні мікроскопічні діагностичні ознаки. Встановлені мікродіагностичні ознаки дають можливість ідентифікувати лікарську рослинну сировину і можуть бути використані для розробки проекту АНД.

Pharmacognostic Characterization of Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae)

Background: Spondias mombin L. is fruit specie found in Tropical America and the coast of Africa, popularly known as cajazeira. Several researches with extract of leaflets show a diversity of promising pharmacological activities such as antibacterial activity, antiviral against dengue virus type 2, anti diabetic, among others. Objective: This paper aims to study the anatomical characteristics, phytochemical and histochemical from leaves of this species. Materials and Methods: Cross and paradermic sections from leaves were submitted to double staining with astra blue and safranin process for the anatomical study. Anatomical analysis of the structures was performed using an optical microscope. For ultra structure analysis, the leaf fragments, after processing and gold coating, were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The phytochemical analyses were performed using thin layer chromatography and the histochemical analyses using specific reagents for each metabolite group. Results: The leaf has anomocytic and tetracytic stomata distributed on abaxial surface. The midrib has convex symmetry with collateral vascular bundles in a closed arc disposition. The phytochemical showed the presence of mono and sesquiterpenes, triterpenes and steroids, hydrolysable tannins, phenylpropanoid glycosides, cinnamic derivatives and flavonoids. The histochemical tests allow us to state that phenolic compounds are found in the palisade parenchyma cells. Lignins can be found in woody vascular bundles and in perivascular sclerenchyma fibres. The volatile oils were evidenced in the schizogenous cavity, present in the parenchyma of the midrib. Conclusion: The results allowed characterizing anatomically the leaves of this species, outlining a profile of its phytochemical constituents and, in addition, determining which anatomical structures of storage of these metabolites by the plant.

Anatomical and histochemical analysis of Dysphania ambrosioides supported by light and electron microscopy

Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants (syn: Chenopodium ambrosoides L.), Amaranthaceae, popularly known as “mastruz”, is an herb widely used in Brazil as anthelmintic. To contribute to the knowledge about medicinal plants, a microscopic analysis was accomplished to describe the main anatomical characters of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade of D. ambrosioides and histochemical tests were performed on the leaf blade. Cross-sections were obtained, by hand, for microscopic analysis of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade; to the leaf blade were still made paradermal sections, scanning electron microscopy analysis, maceration and histochemical tests. The main characters useful in the identification of the plant were: anomalous secondary thickening in the root and stem; presence of idioblasts containing crystal sand in the root, stem, petiole and leaf blade; in these there are also idioblasts with druses; presence of non-glandular and glandular trichomes in the stem, petiole and leaf blade; stomata on the stem, petiole and leaf blade, identified in these as anomocytic and anisocytic; dorsiventral mesophyll and collateral vascular bundles. Maceration revealed that the vessel elements are helical type. Through the histochemical tests, it was evidenced the presence of lipophilic substances, essential oils, oleoresins, phenolic compounds, starch, lignin and calcium oxalate crystals. This work provides support to the quality control of the species.

MICROMORFOMETRIA FOLIAR DE PALICOUREA RIGIDA KUNTH. (RUBIACEAE) EM AMBIENTE DE CERRADO E CAMPO RUPESTRE

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo um estudo anatômico descritivo e quantitativo da estrutura foliar de Palicourea rigida Kunth. (Rubiaceae), espécie que ocorre em áreas de cerrado e campo rupestre. As observações anatômicas foram realizadas em folhas de material fresco ou fixado, tratadas segundo metodologias usuais em anatomia vegetal. Foram observadas as seguintes características: epidermes do pecíolo e da lâmina foliar uniestratificadas; presença de tricomas tectores, simples, unisseriados, próximos, ou sobre as nervuras; estômatos do tipo paracítico presentes somente na face abaxial da folha; mesofilo com parênquima paliçádico de uma só camada de células; parênquima esponjoso com sete a nove camadas celulares com formas irregulares e tamanhos variados; idioblastos cristalíferos, observados em todos os parênquimas do pecíolo e lâmina foliar; feixes vasculares, do tipo colateral; colênquima observado, subepidermicamente, no pecíolo e nervuras de maior porte, em ambas faces; o padrão geral de nervação da espécie é pinado, camptódromo, broquidódromo. As análises micromorfométricas revelaram diferenças significativas em todos os itens analisados, sendo as médias mais elevadas encontradas nas folhas das plantas crescendo no cerrado. Isto sugere que a influência de fatores ambientais pode ter modulado respostas morfológicas nas plantas, visto que o tipo e distribuição dos tecidos não sofreram alterações nos dois ambientes.

Anatomia foliar de Rubiaceae ocorrentes em fragmento florestal urbano de Mata Atlântica, PR, Brasil

RESUMO Rubiaceae no Brasil ocorre principalmente no Bioma Mata Atlântica que na região sul é representado por dois tipos principais de fitofisionomias: Floresta Estacional Semidecidual e Floresta Ombrófita Mista. Ambas ocorrem no Parque Ecológico Paulo Gorski (PEPG), fragmento florestal urbano. Diante da relevância de Rubiaceae na Mata Atlântica e da importância de estudos de anatomia ecológica para entender processos de colonização e sobrevivência este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar anatomicamente as folhas de Rubiaceae encontradas no PEPG. Foram estudadas 14 espécies pertencentes a nove gêneros de Rubiaceae que apresentam como caracteres comuns à família: epiderme uniestratificada, tricomas, estômatos paracíticos e paralelocíticos, mesofilo dorsiventral e feixes vasculares colaterais. Dentre os caracteres anatômicos observados, considerados comuns em plantas mesófitas-heliófitas, destacam-se papilas, tricomas e mesofilo compacto. Portanto, essas características estão de acordo com as condições ambientais constatadas nas áreas de bordas e clareiras da Mata Atlântica e também em áreas antropizadas.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO ANATÔMICA, COMPOSIÇÃO MINERAL E ATIVIDADE CITOTÓXICA DE Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd (PORTULACACEAE)

This study aimed to assess chemical compositions and anatomy of Talinum triangulare extract and its cytotoxic activity in order to improve the knowledge of the specie. Leaves and stem fragments were fixed, sectioned and stained following the usual techniques in anatomy. The phytochemical screening was performed according to classical tests for secondary metabolites detection. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using as model the lethality of Artemia salina larvae. The studied leaf is amphistomatic and presents uniseriate epidermis covered by thin cuticle. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the midrib consists of collateral vascular bundle. In the apical portion, the stem has vascular bundles delimiting the medular and cortical regions. A stratum of angular collenchyma is found beneath the epidermis. In the basal portion, the stem has about four layers of angular collenchyma and voluminous parenchyma cells internally delimiting the cortex. The phytochemical screening detects the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenes and steroids. The mineral composition showed that the major element found was nitrogen, followed by potassium and magnesium, and the leaves are iron rich. The ethanolic extract did not show toxicity in the larvae of A. salina, with LD50> 1000 ppm, which proves the safe use of this specie in popular therapy.

The utility of Bambusoideae (Poaceae, Poales) leaf blade anatomy for identification and systematics.

Bambusoideae is a diverse subfamily that includes herbaceous (Olyreae) and woody (Arundinarieae and Bambuseae) bamboos. Species within Bambusae are particularly difficult to identify due to their monocarpic lifecycle and the often long durations between mass flowering events; whereas the herbaceous bamboos are pluricarpic, but often are found with no reproductive structures. The leaf blade anatomy of 16 sympatric species of native Brazilian bamboos (Olyreae and Bambuseae) from the Atlantic Rainforest was studied in order to detect useful features for their identification. All the studied species share the following features: epidermis with a single stratum of cells; adaxial bulliform cells; mesophyll with arm cells, rosette cells, and fusoid cells; and collateral vascular bundles. Herbaceous bamboos share two features: papillae scattered on the abaxial surface and parallel-sided arrays of bulliform cells; whereas woody bamboos share: centrally organized papillae and fan-shaped arrays of bulliform cells. Also within the woody bamboos, intercostal fibers and a midrib with only one vascular bundle (simple midrib) characterize the subtribe Arthrostylidiinae; whereas a midrib with more than one vascular bundle (complex midrib) and a stomatal apparatus with two pappilae per subsidiary cell characterize the subtribe Chusqueinae. There are also diagnostic features for the sampled species, such as: papillae shape, and the outline and structure of the midrib. An identification key for all the studied species is provided based on the anatomical features.

MICROSCOPIC DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES OF WHOLE, MILLED AND POWDERED PLANT MATERIAL “RHIZOMES OF COMMON TURMERIC”

Aim - the determination of microscopic diagnostic features of rhizomes of common turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), ginger family (Zingiberaceae). Materials and methods. We have studied whole, milled and powdered plant material of turmeric from different manufactures. The study was carried out with the use of the digital microscopes “Motic DM111” (Korea) and “Motic DM-39C-N9GO-A” (Korea). Results. It was determined that the microscopic diagnostic features of rhizomes of turmeric include the presence of cells with sinuous walls and structured content in the form of colored folding in the parenchyma; closed collateral vascular bundles lie scattered in the parenchyma, their conductive elements have narrow lumen. Vascular bundles contain pigment cells considerably smaller in comparison with the size of vessels. Pigment cells with drops of orange-red essential oil are also found in the parenchyma. In milled and powdered plant material, the fragments of all these elements are observed. In the fragments of powdered rhizomes of turmeric, numerous cells with yellow content are found; the parenchyma cells have less expressed folded structure. Fragments of vessels are found both in milled and powdered material. Conclusion. The results of this study were included in the section “Microscopy” of the project of pharmacopoeial monograph “Curcuma longa L. rhizomes”.

Análise farmacobotânica de folha e caule de Tanacetum vulgare (L.)

RESUMO Tanacetum vulgare L., conhecida popularmente como catinga-de-mulata, é utilizada na medicina tradicional como vermífugo, digestivo e emenagogo. Objetivou-se analisar a morfoanatomia de folhas e caules dessa espécie medicinal com vistas ao controle da qualidade. Foram utilizadas técnicas usuais de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. As folhas são compostas, pinatissectas e anfiestomáticas. Tricomas tectores flageliformes simples e glandulares capitados são observados. A nervura central tem formato biconvexo, o pecíolo é côncavo-convexo, a ráque é plano-convexa e o caule é arredondado. Feixes vasculares colaterais, calotas de fibras perivasculares e colênquima lamelar estão presentes na folha e no caule. Os caracteres morfoanatômicos evidenciados contribuem na identificação do táxon e fornecem subsídios farmacobotânicos para o controle da qualidade de drogas vegetais e fitoterápicos.

Morphological & microscopic identification of Curcum albiflora Thw

Curcuma albiflora Thw.(Harankaha) is an endemic medicinal plant used in Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine. However, it has not been studied systematically in terms of its identity. Therefore, several other plants have been used as adulterants or substitutes. In order to establish its correct botanical identity, morphological and microscopic studies were carried out on various its plant parts of C. albiflora. Plants were collected from Ratnapura/Kegallearea in flowering season and procedures were performed according to WHO guidelines and other published data. Morphologically, heights of the plant up to 35 ± 5 cm and 5-7 leaves, both surfaces were glabrous. Inflorescence up to 10 x 8 ± 2 cm, but coma bracts were absent. Fertile bract tip rounded and curved (light green). Flower was white with centre yellow tinged on labellum. Rhizome has many primary fingers, and remote tubers were absent, not as C. zedoaria. Microscopically double layer palisade, subsidiaries dicyclic stomata, palisade ratio 1:5-7, and two sizes of prismatic calcium oxalate crystals (5 ± 2 µm, and 10 ± 2 μm) were found in leaf. Stomatal index was 13% in ventral side and 5% in dorsal side of the leaf. Three sizes of starch grains (small: 5-10 μm, medium: 15-25 μm, and large: 30 μm) in rhizome, and collateral vascular bundles were found. External morphologically, the bracts were angularly attached to the inflorescence and lower bracts are spreading which is a differentiation character from the other Curcuma species. Microscopically, absence of crystals in cortical region of rhizome, cup shaped starch grains and double layered palisade cells under the upper epidermis of the leaf were found to be significant features of the identify of C. albiflora.

Cambial Variants in the Family Menispermaceae in Taiwan

Anatomical data regarding the climbing modes and cambial variants of the stem transverse section in the Menispermaceae in Taiwan are lacking. Here, we examined the climbing modes and anomalous structure of climber stems in this family. Reviewing the previous reports of cambial variants in angiosperm liana families, a list of angiosperm liana families processing specified types of cambial variants and the terms based on description for the transverse section of a stem were provided. The results show that Cocculus laurifolius DC. is a shrub, Stephania cephalantha Hayata and Stephania longa Lour. are vines, and the remaining 13 species are lianas. In all species, the climbing mode was twining and dextrorse stems. The anomalous structure of the stem comprised successive cambia in Cocculus laurifolius, a combination of xylem in plates and dissected xylem in Cocculus orbiculatus (L.) DC., and xylem in plates in the remaining 14 species. In the genus Cyclea, parenchyma proliferation from the secondary xylem resulted in the development of 1 - 3 linear lobes in each collateral vascular bundle. The vessel diameter of C. laurifolius is C. orbiculatus had the longest collateral vascular bundles, longest rays and widest rays. Cyclea ochiaiana (Yamam.) S. F. Huang & T. C. Huang had the widest collateral vascular bundles. Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehder & E. H. Wilson had the highest vessel density. Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook. F. et Thoms develops blunt tubercles on the epidermis and Stephania tetrandra S. Moore bears conspicuous phellem layer. Those findings, such as the climbing mode, the features of parenchyma proliferation, the features of collateral vascular bundles (number, width, length), dimorphic vessels, and size and density of vessels, highlight new anatomical characteristics for species identification in the Menispermaceae in Taiwan.

Anatomical and morphological features of seedlings of some Cactoideae Eaton (Cactaceae Juss.) species

<p>Three-month-old seedlings of 11 species of the subfamily Cactoideae (<em>Melocactus bahiensis</em>, <em>Melocactus curvispinus</em>, <em>Echinopsis eyriesii</em>, <em>E. mirablis</em>, <em>E. peruviana</em>, <em>Oreocereus celsianus</em>, <em>Rebutia flavistyla</em>, <em>Rebutia minuscula</em>, <em>Astrophytum myriostigma</em>, <em>Mamillaria columbiana</em>, and <em>M. prolifera</em>) have been studied. These plants exhibit a uniseriate epidermis, covered by a thin cuticle. Except for <em>E. peruviana</em> and <em>A. myriostigma</em>, no hypodermis could be detected. The shoots of all studied specimens consist mainly of cortex parenchyma with large thin-walled cells. The pith parenchyma is composed of much smaller cells. Due to the fact that the cortex parenchyma comprises the largest portion of the cross-sectional area, it can be concluded that it is the main water-storing tissue. The extent of vascular tissue development varies. Collateral vascular bundles are present in the stele. The studied seedlings contain various ergastic substances, in particular inclusions of calcium oxalate (all studied species), starch (<em>Mammillaria prolifera</em>, <em>E. mirabilis</em>, and the genus <em>Melocactus</em>), inulin-like inclusions, and occasionally lipid drops (some <em>Echinopsis</em> species).</p><p>Thus, it was found that all studied plants have a highly specialized anatomical and morphological structure. At the same time, the epidermis and hypodermis are poorly developed. Accordingly, the adaptation to arid conditions of the examined seedlings involves an increased growth of the water-storing tissue and the production of ergastic substances.</p>

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC

Objective: The primary aim of the study was to establish the pharmacognostic standards along with nutritional values on the important medicinal herb Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., commonly known as Parpata in South India. Material and Methods: Pharmacognostical, physicochemical, nutritional evaluation along with the TLC profiling and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. Results: Histological study of different parts of the plant revealed the presence of different cellular structures viz. stem showed the presence of multi cellular to unicellular trichomes, collateral vascular bundles, starch grains etc. Mesophyll of the leaves was embedded with starch grains with clustered calcium oxalate and prism shaped crystals. Anomocytic stomata were present on both the epidermis of the leaf. Powder microscopy exhibited multi cellular trichomes, clustered calcium oxalate, fibres etc. Physicochemical and histochemical studies revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites and different minerals within the acceptable limits. Thin layer chromatographic profiling showed different spots suggesting the presence of specific phytoconstituents in different extracts. The plant also revealed good nutritional value with calorific value of about 245 kcal/100g; Vitamin C 112 mg/100 g and higher amount of calcium etc. Conclusion: The results are beneficial to establish the quality control parameters of the plant species and may be served as future reference for the identification and authentication of the genuine crude drug and also provide sufficient data to recognize the use of the plant as dietary suppliment.

Morphological and anatomical patterns in Pontederiaceae (Commelinales) and their evolutionary implications

Pontederiaceae include six genera and approximately 35 species of aquatic plants. The family exhibits great variation in morphology that makes the characterization of species and the understanding of infrafamilial relationships difficult. Twenty species were studied from collections made at the reproductive stage, aiming to establish morphological and anatomical patterns to better understand the taxonomy and evolution of the family. In order to include all species of the family, herbarium specimens were analyzed together with information available in the literature. Four morphological patterns were established for the family: Pattern I—stems with short internodes and alternate, petiolate leaves; Pattern II—stems with long internodes and alternate, petiolate leaves; Pattern III—stems with long internodes and alternate, sessile leaves; Pattern IV—stems with long internodes and verticillate, sessile leaves. The stems have atactosteles and in the species of Pattern I they are rhizomatous. The leaf petiole, the reproductive axis, the inflorescence bract petiole and the peduncle have monosteles and are distinguished from one another by the number of rings of collateral vascular bundles, and by the presence or absence of a fistula. The morphological patterns may represent synapomorphies of infrageneric groups and are related to the life form of the species. Based on current phylogenies, Pattern I is a plesiomorphic condition, including emergent species, and Patterns III and IV are the most derived and include submersed species. This is consistent with variation in water availability in the environment having influenced the diversification of Pontederiaceae during the course of their evolution.

Development of the successive cambia in Sesuvium verrucosum Raf (Aizoaceae)

The structure and development of successive cambia and its products were studied in the stems of the halophyte Sesuvium verrucosum Raf. The young stem has several collateral vascular bundles arranged in a circle and separated by interfascicular zones. The secondary thickening begins with the differentiation of fascicular and interfascicular cambia which give rise to secondary xylem, phloem and lignified cells. This normal cambium ceases to divide after a limited period of activity. A new segment of anomalous cambium was developed from the phloem parenchyma cells outside the normal previous cambium. These cells are served as a site for the origin of the anomalous cambium and subjected to repeated periclinal divisions. This cambium has fusiform cells with semi-storied appearance. The activity of this anomalous cambium produces secondary xylem, phloem, fibers and soft parenchyma as conjunctive tissues. The formation of subsequent cambia followed a similar pattern of development and causes vascular increments in the old stem. So, the old stem of S. verrucosum is constructed of concentric fibrovascular bands separated from each other by cylinders of conjunctive parenchyma tissue. This internal structure has a great adaptive potential to the halophyte S. verrucosum. This can be detected by the following points: (1) Production of large number of vessels and sieve tubes elements increases the conductive activity; (2) Occurrence of fibers alongside the vessels increases the mechanical strength that helps and protects water columns from embolism and ensures this water to store and transport in the succulent leaves; and (3) Thin walled parenchyma conjunctive tissue offers flexibility to the plant stem which forms a mat like and able to bend toward the ground without harm. Perhaps these features matched well with the S. verrucosum plant habitat.

English

Eragrostis plana Nees (Poaceae), known commonly as tough lovegrass, is the most abundant invasive plant found in the rangelands of Southern Brazil. This study is the first to document the anatomical and histochemical features of the leaves and roots of this grass. Five leaf blades and five roots were collected, fixed in formaldehyde, glacial acetic acid, ethanol 70° (FAA 70), sectioned, stained, and photographed under a light microscope. Anatomical analysis of the leaves was supplemented with observations under a scanning electron microscope. Manual cuts were made into fresh material, which was subjected to specific reagents to determine the lipid, phenol, tannin, lignin, alkaloid, and starch presence. The analyses revealed that the leaves are amphistomatic with paracytic stomata, and the epidermis has lignified cells, a Kranz structure, collateral vascular bundles of two sizes, tectors, unicellular and crystalline trichomes. The roots are polyarc with air gaps on the cortical parenchyma, U-thickened endodermal cell walls and a parenchymatic pith with starch storage cells. Leaves and roots contain lipids, phenols, lignins, and alkaloids; starch is only present in the roots. Anatomical and histochemical traits of tough lovegrass suggest that the plant has adapted to survive under biotic and abiotic stress, which enhances its performance in relation to native plants.   Key words: Anatomy, histochemistry, invasive.

Pharmacobotanical study of Baccharis pentaptera

Baccharis L. sect. Caulopterae, Asteraceae, comprises thirty species in Brazil that show stems represented by cladodes, which are very similar in morphology. These species are popularly known as “carqueja” in Brazil and Argentina and are used in popular medicine as diuretic and stomachic. The aim of this work was to examine the morpho-anatomical characters of cladodes of Baccharis pentaptera (Less.) DC. for diagnosis purposes. The plant material was prepared by light and scanning electron microscopy. B. pentaptera shows opposite and spread wings in the two-winged cladode axis and irregular arrangement in the three-winged cladode. The wings have a uniseriate epidermis with palisade parenchyma next to both sides of epidermis. The spongy parenchyma crossed by minor collateral vascular bundles is observed in the central region of wings. The glandular trichomes are capitate and biseriate and the non-glandular trichomes are uniseriate and flagelliform with 2–3 cells that extend from the base. In caulinar axis, there are uniseriate epidermis, chlorenchyma alternating with angular collenchyma and perivascular fiber caps adjoining the phloem which is outside the xylem. Prismatic and styloid crystals are verified in the perimedullary zone. These combined characters can assist the diagnosis of Baccharis species sect. Caulopterae.

Adaptive strategies against water stress: a study comparing leaf morphoanatomy of rupicolous and epiphytic species of Gesneriaceae

Rupicolous and epiphytic plants have evolved in search of environmental light conditions, throughout their evolution, the former thriving among rocks, and the latter growing non-parasitically on other plants (trees). However, while their habitats have provided sufficient light, they are also characterized by xeric conditions. This work compares leaf morphoanatomy between the rupicolous Sinningia bullata Chautems & M. Peixoto and the epiphytic Codonanthe gracilis (Mart.) Hanst in order to find insightful correlations in their adaptations to water stress. It also presents the first description of the anatomy of the leaf of S. bullata. In vivo leaf samples were cut and fixed for analysis under both optical and the scanning electronic microscopy. Both plants were observed to have dorsiventral and hypostomatic leaf. Anatomically, the plants share the same type of stomata complex, i.e., amphianisocytic, with collateral vascular bundles in between the spongy and palisade parenchymas. The presence of water storage tissue and conspicuous epicuticular wax and cuticle are evidence of some of the adaptations that these plants have made against water stress. Thus, while both plants show similarities of morphoanatomical adaptations that enhance their ability to thrive in spite of water stress, S. bullata has evolved additional adaptive strategies, such as convexities of the epidermis and the presence of long trichomes.

Pharmacognostical Evalution of Fragaria vesca linn leaf

Fragria vesca Dc. (Family:Rosaceae) are used for various medicinal values in traditional system of medicine. Pharmacognostical studies mainly include includes collection, identification, microscopical and phytochemical evaluation of leaves of fragaria vesca. The preliminary phytochemical studies indicate the presence of alkaloid, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phytosterols, tannins and fixed oils. The sections were taken and cellular structures were studied. The T.S of leaf shows the presence of epidermis, parenchymatous cells, collateral vascular bundle, lateral vein. Powder microscopy of the leaf shows the presence of epidermal peelings and unicellular unbranched trichomes.