Cortex Parenchyma Research Articles

Morphological and anatomical studies in Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae)

This research delves into the morphological and anatomical intricacies of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as black cumin, through meticulous examination of various accessions collected from diverse geographical regions in India. Morphological studies revealed distinct characteristics such as the linear to lanceolate alternate leaves, black capsule fruit housing seeds, and growth parameters including germination time, maturation period, and yield per plant. Notably, certain accessions exhibited superior attributes in terms of plant height, root length, and seed yield. Anatomical investigations unveiled detailed structures of stems, roots, seeds, and capsules. Stem anatomy exhibited a multi-cornered structure with specific features like uniseriate epidermis with non-glandular trichomes, parenchymatous cortex with chlorenchymatous and sclerenchymatous cells, and distinct vascular bundle arrangements. Root anatomy depicted a circular cross-section with well-defined layers including epidermis, cortex, and xylem with prominent oil droplets. Seed anatomy displayed layers of epidermis, parenchyma, pigmented layer, endosperm, and a central embryo. Moreover, this study identified novel cells in the stem cortex and observed variability in carpel numbers among different accessions. The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of N. sativa morphology and anatomy, shedding light on previously unexplored aspects and emphasizing the need for further investigation into the variability within and among accessions.

Stem anatomy of some Crepis L. (Asteraceae) taxa and its taxonomic significance

In this study, the stem anatomy of nine Crepis (Asteraceae) taxa were decribed for the first time from Türkiye. The anatomical data obtained were evaluated in terms of taxonomy with analysis of variance and principal components analysis. The stem mainly consist of one layer epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, collateral vascular bundles and parenchymatous pith in all taxa examined. Glandular or non-glandular trichomes are found in the epidermal cells of the stem in some species examined. Despite that fact that all taxa examined have similar stem anatomy, quantitative traits such as length or width of the anatomical characters significantly varry among the taxa. In particular, the xylem thickness considerably differs among the taxa studied, according to the results of analysis of variance. Besides, the xylem is more thicker in caulescent species than scapigerous taxa. According to the results of principal components analysis, the xylem thickness and the epidermis cell length explain most of the total variation with about 82% value among the studied taxa. These results show that xylem thickness and epidermis cell length have a high taxonomic value.

Nutritive tissue rich in reserves in the cell wall and protoplast: the case of Manihot esculenta (Euphorbiaceae) galls induced by Iatrophobia brasiliensis (Diptera, Cecidomyiidae).

The galls can offer shelter, protection, and an adequate diet for the gall-inducing organisms. Herein, we evaluated the structure of Manihot esculenta leaves and galls induced by Iatrophobia brasiliensis in order to identify metabolic and cell wall composition changes. We expected to find a complex gall with high primary metabolism in a typical nutritive tissue. Non-galled leaves and galls were subjected to anatomical, histochemical, and immunocytochemical analyses to evaluate the structural features, primary and secondary metabolites, and glycoproteins, pectins, and hemicelluloses in the cell wall. The gall is cylindric, with a uniseriate epidermis, a larval chamber, and a parenchymatic cortex divided into outer and inner compartments. The outer compartment has large cells with intercellular spaces and stocks starch and is designated as storage tissue. Reducing sugars, proteins, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids were detected in the protoplast of inner tissue cells of galls, named nutritive tissue, which presents five layers of compact small cells. Cell walls with esterified homogalacturonans (HGs) occurred in some cells of the galls indicating the continuous biosynthesis of HGs. For both non-galled leaves and galls, galactans and xyloglucans were broadly labeled on the cell walls, indicating a cell growth capacity and cell wall stiffness, respectively. The cell wall of the nutritive tissue had wide labeling for glycoproteins, HGs, heteroxylans, and xyloglucans, which can be used as source for the diet of the galling insect. Manihot esculenta galls have compartments specialized in the protection and feeding of the galling insect, structured by nutritive tissue rich in resource compounds, in the cell walls and protoplast.

Understanding unique tolerance limits in Hydrocotyle verticillata: From submergence to water deficiency

Hydrocotyle verticillata can tolerate varying degrees of flooding, up to complete submergence, and is at the same time extremely sensitive to drought. Understanding the structural and biochemical principles of these unusual tolerance limits is of particular importance. We analyzed the effect of soil flooding, complete submergence (rooted plants and floating stems), and dehydration on root anatomy, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), hydrogen peroxide, and DNA integrity using light microscopy, biochemical and histological methods. It was shown that anatomical traits of adventitious roots with a triarch stele were similar in the plants growing under different conditions; the single-layered and thin-walled epidermis formed relatively short root hairs; essential air spaces were absent in the cortex parenchyma. Results on ADH clearly showed that anaerobic energetic metabolism in root apices and individual rhizoderma cells of the mature root zone was normal for this species in optimal and suboptimal conditions, while leaves changed metabolism to anaerobic in response to submergence. Alterations in the protein spectrum were accompanied by adequate up-regulation of HSP70 under different levels of flooding and dehydration/rehydration. These results appear to indicate a flooding adaptation strategy for H. verticillata based primarily on metabolic plasticity rather than morphoanatomical adaptations. Most notably, the resistance of this species to long-term submergence has been associated with strong ADH induction in leaves, transient activation of 70 kDa isoform of HSP70 and induction of 66 kDa isoform, as well as a significant delay in the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and DNA degradation.

Preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical analysis of Leea indica (Burm. f.) Merr. Root

Background: Leea indica (Burm. f.)Merr. is distributed in various parts of the world such as India, Malaysia, China, and Thailand. The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. The root is antidiarrheal, antidysenteric, antispasmodic, cooling, and sudorific. The juice of young leaves is digestive. Preliminary phytochemistry of leaves and stem has already done and revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, lignins, saponins, sterols, tannins, arthraquinone and reducing sugar. Aim: The present study was carried out for the establishment of Pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of root. Methods: Macroscopy, powder analysis (Organoleptic and powder microscopy), physiochemical properties like ash values, extractive values of root was done. Results and Conclusion: Microscopy shows normal root structure with 2-5 layered parenchymatous cortex, xylem and phloem. Medullary rays are heterogenous. Total ash of the drug was found to be 6%. The highest percentage of extract was obtained by the extraction with hot water (9.1%) and least with cold alcohol (4.92%). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of tannins, phenols, saponins, steroids and glycosides. Maximum phytoconstituents was obtained for cold alcohol extract.

Türkiye’den Noccaea Moench (Brassicaceae) Cinsi Anatomisi Üzerine Katkılar

The anatomical properties of Noccaea camlikensis and N. cariensis were determined in this study. The roots have a secondary root type. The stem cross-sections have a single-layered epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, one layered distinct endodermis, vascular bundles with sclerenchymatic caps, and parenchymatic pith cells. Equifacial and bifacial mesophyll types are observed in the leaves, with multiple-layered palisade tissue, and the spongy parenchyma is well-developed. Vascular bundles are small in the leaves except in the leaf midrib. Anisocytic stomata type are observed in the surface sections. The assessment of anatomical characteristics of the studied Noccaea species, such as the number of cortex in the stem and the shape of midvein of leaf, are of taxonomical value.

Astrocyte reactivity in the glia limitans superficialis of the rat medial prefrontal cortex following sciatic nerve injury.

The glia limitans superficialis (GLS) on the rodent cortical surface consists of astrocyte bodies intermingled with their cytoplasmic processes. Many studies have observed astrocyte reactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) parenchyma induced by a peripheral nerve injury, while the response of GLS astrocytes is still not fully understood. The aim of our study was to identify the reactivity of rat GLS astrocytes in response to sciatic nerve compression (SNC) over different time periods. The alteration of GLS astrocyte reactivity was monitored using immunofluorescence (IF) intensities of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), and NFκBp65. Our results demonstrated that SNC induced GLS astrocyte reactivity seen as increased intensities of GFAP-IF, and longer extensions of cytoplasmic processes into lamina I. First significant increase of GFAP-IF was observed on post-operation day 7 (POD7) after SNC with further increases on POD14 and POD21. In contrast, dynamic alteration of the extension of cytoplasmic processes into lamina I was detected as early as POD1 and continued throughout the monitored survival periods of both sham and SNC operations. The reactivity of GLS astrocytes was not associated with their proliferation. In addition, GLS astrocytes also displayed a significant decrease in GS immunofluorescence (GS-IF) and NFκB immunofluorescence (NFκB-IF) in response to sham and SNC operation compared with naïve control rats. These results suggest that damaged peripheral tissues (following sham operation as well as peripheral nerve lesions) may induce significant changes in GLS astrocyte reactivity. The signaling mechanism from injured peripheral tissue and nerve remains to be elucidated.

Justicia gendarussa (BURM F.) (WILLOW-LEAVED Justicia) FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY

Acanthaceae or the Acanthus family has been commonly used by local peoples as traditional medicines, especially in PeninsularMalaysia. Justicia gendarussa, also known as ‘daun rusa’ or ‘genda rusa,’ treats inflammatory disorders, asthma, hepatic injuries,arthritis, and digestion problems. Many taxonomists nowadays struggle to identify Acanthaceae species due to morphologicalsimilarities and incomplete parts during the identification process. Other than that, there has been no comprehensive study ofJusticia gendarussa leaf anatomy to date. Therefore, this study aims to describe the leaf’s anatomical and micromorphologicalcharacteristics that would be useful to identify this plant species. The leaf anatomical study involved several methods such ascross-section using a sliding microtome and observation under a light microscope. While the leaf micromorphology methodinvolved the observation under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the epidermis of abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Theresult of this study showed the presence of collenchyma, sclerenchyma, and mucilage cells in the petiole and midrib. The patternsof petiole and midrib vascular bundles were described as the main vascular bundle (opened system with continuous rings of thevascular bundle) with two additional vascular bundles located the above right and left of the main vascular bundle near eachwing. The cystolith cells are present in the epidermis and parenchyma cortex while glandular and non-glandular trichomeswere recorded in the species studied. In conclusion, comprehensive data for the leaf anatomical and micromorphologicalcharacteristics can be used to supplement data in the identification of Justicia gendarussa.

Establishment of quality indicators of promising plant raw materials - underground organs of Rumex confertus willd

The aim is to study the morphological and anatomical structure of the underground organs of R. confertus and to establish the type of medicinal plant raw materials, to determine a number of its indicators of quality and quantitative content of some groups of biologically active substances using modern methods of analysis.
 Materials and methods. It was used air-dry and freshly collected raw materials and a microscope Delta optic BioLight 300 (Poland) to study the macro- and microscopic characteristics of the plant raw materials. Determination of amount of hydroxycinnamic acids and total polyphenols was determined spectrophotometrically according to monograph «Nettle leaf» and the method 2.8.14 of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2.0 (on a spectrophotometer Optizen POP (Korea)). The study of the component composition of hydroxycinnamic acids was performed by HPLC.
 Results. As a result of research of plant raw materials it was established that the underground organs of Rumex confertus are the roots of annual plants and the rhizomes and roots of two or three annual plants. Diagnostic features: morphological (for the root and rhizome - the nature of the surface and fracture) and anatomical (for the rhizome - aerenchyma in the cortex, the presence and location of scleroids and sclerenchyma in the plant raw materials of two or three annual plants, the presence in the cells of the cortex and pith parenchyma simple starch grains, druses and cells with yellow content in freshly harvested plant raw materials; for the root - the colour of peridermal cells, the degree of development of pith rays, the remainder of the primary xylem; a distinctive feature of the annual root from two or three annuals is the absence of scleroids). It was determined the borderline boundaries of indicators in the series of plant raw materials: loss on drying (not more than 13. 5 %), total ash (not more than 11 %), extractable matter (not less than 33 %) and the quantitative content of amount of hydroxycinnamic acids (not less than 1.3 %) and total polyphenols (not less than 3.5 %). It was identified chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.
 Conclusions. It was determined the type of underground organs of Rumex confertus: annuals had only roots (tap root systems), from the second to the third year of life the plants have both rhizomes and tap root system. It was established their morphological and anatomical diagnostic features and determined numerical indicators and the quantitative content of the amount of hydroxycinnamic acids and total polyphenols with using modern methods of analysis and chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids were identified. The obtained data will be used in further research, including the development of the draft monograph of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine 2.0 or the draft methods of quality control of medicinal plant raw materials Rumex confertus and the creation of herbal medicines

Alyssum strigosum s.l. (Brassicaceae)’un Morfolojik, Anatomik ve Palinolojik Özellikleri

Alyssum strigosum Banks & Sol. subsp. strigosum and A. strigosum Banks & Sol. subsp. cedrorum (Schott & Kotschy) Dudley, which are two subspecies of Alyssum strigosum with their morphological, anatomical, palynological traits, were presented in detail with this study. The anatomical analysis has been carried out using handmade sections. The transverse sections of roots showed that two subspecies have similar anatomical characters as with primer structure. The sections of stem were reflected the typical dicotyledonous stem anatomical structure and were determined that species have oval shaped cortex parenchyma. The vascular bundles in stem were arranged in one row both examined species. The mesophyll type was detected as equifacial. The examined species have monad, isopolar, prolate and tricolpate pollen grains. For two examined species, exine sculpture were observed as reticulate. As a conclusion, the characteristics of anatomical and palynological in Alyssum strigosum have been showed the supporting the separation of subspecies.

Comparative vegetative anatomy of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. and the endemic Wrightia indica Ngan (Apocynaceae Juss.) occurring in peninsular India

• The vegetative anatomy of Wrightia tinctoria and Wrightia indica was examined. • Giant stomata were present in leaves of W. tinctoria . • Trichomes were absent in the stem of W. tinctoria but present in W. indica . • Gelatinous fibers present in roots of W. indica were absent in W. tinctoria . • Vegetative anatomy could be valuable in the pharmacognosy of the Wrightia species. Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. and the endemic Wrightia indica Ngan are important medicinal plants possessing novel therapeutic compounds. However, the anatomy of these medicinal plants is not well studied. Therefore, the present study illustrates the vegetative anatomy of the two Wrightia R.Br. species using light microscopy. The stomata in the leaves were paracytic/anomocytic type in W. tinctoria and of paracytic type in W. indica . The foliar cuticle was of varying thickness, and multicellular trichomes were distributed on the abaxial surface of W. tinctoria and both leaf surfaces of W. indica . The leaf anatomical characters like uniseriate epidermis, collenchymatous hypodermis, heterogeneous mesophyll, endarch xylem, idioblasts, starch grains, and raphides were common for both the Wrightia species. Stems of W. indica were sparingly covered by multicellular trichomes. The stems of both Wrightia species possess uniseriate epidermis, angular collenchymatous hypodermis, parenchymatous cortex, starch grains, bicollateral vascular bundles with endarch xylem, idioblasts containing calcium oxalate crystals and water-cells in the stelar region. Starch grains were abundant in the pith of W. indica . The root periderm consists of rectangular cells and the cortex was parenchymatous in both Wrightia species. Water-cells and sclereids were present in the cortex of W. tinctoria , whereas sclereids were absent in W. indica . Vascular bundles were amphicribral in both Wrightia species. Significant differences were evident in the cellular dimensions of vegetative parts of both the Wrightia species. The observations of the present study indicate that the vegetative anatomy could aid in the discrimination of these two Wrightia species.

Morphological, anatomical, palynological, and micromorphological study on Diplotaxis tenuifolia (Brassicaceae)

The present study deals with the morphological, anatomical, and palynological properties of Diplotaxis tenuifolia. The stem cross-sections had a single-layered epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, vascular bundles, and parenchymatic pith cells. An equifacial mesophyll type was observed in the leaves with multiple-layered palisade tissue, but the spongy parenchyma was reduced. Vascular bundles were small except for the midrib. The cross-sections of the fruit had a single exocarp, 3- or 4-layered mesocarp, and single-layered endocarp. Transverse sections of the seed showed the presence of layers of epidermis, parenchyma, and endosperm.

GhAPC8 regulates leaf blade angle by modulating multiple hormones in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Leaf angle, including leaf petiole angle (LPA) and leaf blade angle (LBA), is an important trait affecting plant architecture. Anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) genes play a vital role in plant growth and development, including regulation of leaf angle. Here, we identified and characterized the APC genes in Upland cotton (G. hirsutum L.) with a focus on GhAPC8, a homolog of soybean GmILPA1 involved in regulation of LPA. We showed that independently silencing the At or Dt sub-genome homoeolog of GhAPC8 using virus-induced gene silencing reduced plant height and LBA, and that reduction of LBA could be caused by uneven growth of cortex parenchyma cells on the adaxial and abaxial sides of the junction between leaf blade and leaf petiole. The junction between leaf blade and leaf petiole of the GhAPC8-silenced plants had an elevated level of brassinosteroid (BR) and a decreased levels of auxin and gibberellin. Consistently, comparative transcriptome analysis found that silencing GhAPC8 activated genes of the BR biosynthesis and signaling pathways as well as genes related to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified gene modules significantly associated with plant height and LBA, and candidate genes bridging GhAPC8, the pathways of BR biosynthesis and signaling and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. These results demonstrated a role of GhAPC8 in regulating LBA, likely achieved by modulating the accumulation and signaling of multiple phytohormones.

Pharmacognostic and elemental analysis of the rhizome of C. spectabilis (Fenzl) Schumann (Costaceae)

The extract from the rhizome of Costus spectabilis (Costaceae) has been used to treat many illnesses including eye infections and cataract. The present study aimed to establish the pharmacognostic features of the rhizome by evaluating its macro-morphological characteristics, micro-morphological features using its anatomical section, physicochemical constants and elemental profile of its powder according to standard methods. Macro-morphology revealed features typical of a rhizome. Microscopical examination shows vascular bundles scattered throughout the ground tissue of starch-filled cellulosic parenchyma, parenchymatous cortex, endodermis and Oleoresin cells. Chemomicroscopy of the powder showed cellulosic cell walls, lignified cell walls, starch grains, fats and oil. The powder was found to have a moisture content of 12.3%, Total ash of 4.3%, acid insoluble ash of 2.0%, water soluble ash of 1.2%, water soluble extractive of 11.0% and alcohol soluble extractive of 6.5%. Elemental analysis showed the presence of Zn, Cu, Mg, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn and Cd at concentrations of 24.62, 2.63, 1449.21, 113.23, 36.50, 31.90, 86.93 and 1.23 mg/kg in the powder respectively. The study has established some pharmacognostic features and elemental composition of the rhizome of C. spectabilis. The information could serve useful in providing quality control parameters and standardization of the crude drug.
 Keywords: Macro-morphology; Microscopical; Physico-chemical; Standardization; Elemental analysis

Detailed Microscopic Profiling of Begonia Albococcinea Hook. Used As Kalthamarai

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.

Anatomical investigations of the Turkish critically endangered species: Achillea sivasica Çelik et Akpulat (Asteraceae)

In this study, the root, stem, leaf midrib and leaf lamina anatomy and achene micromorphology of the Turkish critically endangered endemic Achillea sivasica were investigated for the first time. In this study, the root was found in late primary growth and in early secondary growth stage. It has a large cortex layer consisting of 12-16 cell rows beneath the periderm. Secretory ducts formed by 5-12 secretory cells embedded in the cortex and located near the vascular bundle were found at the root, which was in the early stage of secondary development. The stem was circular-pentagonal in cross-section. There was lamellar collenchyma beneath epidermis of pentagon corners, and cortex parenchyma between corners. Secretory ducts located near the phloem, between the cortex and endodermis on the interfascicular region, were also observed. An endodermis layer was evident and its cells have indentations and protrusions where they touch adjacent endodermis cells, which strengthens the connection between them. In addition, casparian strips were conspicuous in many endodermis cells. The leaf midrib area had a triangular cross section. There were secretory ducts, consisting of 4-5 secretory cells observed on both sides of the sclerenchymatous fibers that accompany the xylem. The leaf lamina was amphistomatic and stomata type was anomocytic. Mesophyll layer was equifacial. There was a large secretory duct and its diameter is bigger than the nearest main lamina vascular bundle. Achene shape of A. sivasica was lanceolate-oblong and its surface was ribbed and glabrous.

Morpho-anatomical Studies of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz

The present investigation deals with the study of morpho-anatomical studies in node and leaf of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz belongs to family Lythraceae. The plant is widely used as medicinal purpose. The node has unilacunar one traced; anatomically the leaf shows several variations. The mesophyll cells are arranged loosely. The epidermis of leaf is covered with unicellular simple trichomes. The leaves are dorsiventral and hypostomatic stomata are more on lower surface of leaf. The mucilage cells are commonly occurs. The vascular bundle is bicollateral, solitary and arc shaped, parenchymatous cortex is present. These anatomical characters are useful for segregation of taxa that’s why the anatomical studies of Woodfordia were undertaken.

Effects of Imazamox Applications on Stem Anatomy in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Cultivars

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of different doses of imazamox, an imidazolinone (IMI) group herbicide commonly used in sunflower agriculture, on the stem anatomical structure of sunflower cultivars. In this study, four different sunflower cultivars were used as SN:8 which is unresisting to IMI and resistant groups to IMI which are SN:9, SN:10 and SN:14. Seedlings coming to 4-6 leaf stage were applied with 3 different doses of herbicides (1 dose (3.125 ml/l), 2 doses (6.25 ml/l) and 3 doses (9.375 ml/l). When the cross sections of stem samples taken 7 days after the herbicide application were examined under light microscope, decreases in epiderma cell sizes due to dose increase, increases and decreases in collenchymavlayer thicknesses and cell lines, decreases in cortex parenchyma layer thicknesses, sclerenchymal layer thicknesses and significant increases and decreases were observed between the groups and doses in trachea cells. According to these data, it can be concluded that both the effects of herbicide dose changes and anatomical changes in stem sections can be used to determine resistant cultivars.

Vegetative anatomy of Tabernaemontana alternifolia L. (Apocynaceae) endemic to southern Western Ghats, India

The anatomical description of vegetative parts of Taberenaemontana alternifolia L. belonging to the family Apocynaceae was investigated in the present study. The leaves of T. alternifolia is hypostomatic with paracytic stomata, uniseriate epidermis made up of thin-walled parenchymatous cells covered by thin cuticle on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The hypodermis comprises of angular collenchyma cells. Mesophyll is dorsiventral containing silica bodies and vascular bundles are bicollateral. The petiole is flattened adaxially and arch-shaped abaxially with a uniseriate epidermis covered by a thin cuticle. The hypodermis is 7-8 layered angular collenchyma cells consisting of laticifers and parenchymatic, cortical layers consisting of silica bodies and thick-walled fibers and U-shaped bicollateral vascular bundles. Secondary growth in stems is characterized by the formation of periderm and thick-walled fibers in the vascular tissues. Bicollateral vascular bundles are covered by sclerenchymatous patches, parenchymatous cortex and pith consist of fibers, laticifers and silica bodies. The root possess unicellular root hairs, compactly arranged thin-walled uniseriate epidermis, 16-18 layered cortex containing silica bodies and fibers, indistinct endodermis, radially arranged vascular bundles and 14-16 arched xylem. Pitted water-storage cells are present in the conjunctive tissue. Lignin deposition was observed in the root stelar region and pith is absent.

Anatomical Characterization of Nine Taxa of Genus Acmella Rich. (Toothache Plant) in India

Abstract The present study is aimed for anatomical characterization of nine taxa of Acmella to supplement data specifically for its current sectional classification and species circumscriptions. Anatomical characterization of this genus is little explored. This study focuses on internal structure of leaves, petioles, peduncles, stems, roots and cell inclusions to determine its taxonomic importance. In stem anatomy the number of hypodermal collenchymatous layers and the arrangement of parenchymatous cortex together place an important role in the identification of Acmella. Root anatomy was similar in all the examined taxa except in the arrangement of xylem vessels. In A. tetralobata xylem vessels arranged in pentarch fashion while rest of the species possess tetrarch arrangement. Several cellular inclusions such as calcium oxalate crystals and oil bodies were observed. The petioles were crescent shaped having bifacial surfaces with both surfaces pubescent. Peduncles possess ridges and furrows in its outline. The leaves are dorsi ventral and possess single layered epidermal cells covered with cuticle having anomocytic, anisocytic and diacytic types of stomata in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The present study provides a tool for the microscopic identification of the genus.