Euphorbia Caducifolia Research Articles

Taxonomic Notes on a Rare Parasitic Plant Striga Gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke Var. Minor Santapau and its Comparative Taxonomy with Type Var. Gesnerioides

Striga gesnerioides (Willd.) Vatke is a common root parasite found in wild on roots of Euphorbia caducifolia in Indian Thar Desert. Santapau reported its new variety i.e. minor from the Khandala Maharastra. Later on Bhandari M.M. reported this rare var. from N.W. Rajasthan however there are little information is available on it and not much taxonomic description and herbarium sheet as well as digital photographs are available on online platform. Hence the present investigation was done to hunt this rare variety for its proper description and documentation for easy identification. By the current investigation I have successfully re-reported this variety from Indian Thar Desert after three decades from a new site. The newly collected site has been geo tagged for future researchers. Efforts were made to give a proper description and digital photographs of each part in detail, with the comparative taxonomy of its type variety gesnerioides and new keys has also been given for easy identification.

Molecular Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Pseudomonas from Rhizosphere of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines

A study was conducted during kharif 2020 at the Department of Microbiology, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, S. D. Agricultural University for molecular characterization of plant growth promoting Pseudomonas isolates from rhizosphere of Euphorbia caducifolia. Twenty Pseudomonas isolates (designated as PsEc1 to PsEc20) were axenically isolated from rhizospheric soil sample of Euphorbia caducifolia using Pseudomonas Isolation Agar Base (a selective medium). These isolates were tested gram negative, rod shaped, and oxidase positive. All 20 isolates were positive for utilization of maltose, esculin, citrate and malonate whereas these isolates showed varied results for utilization of xylose, fructose, galactose, sucrose and sorbitol. 16Sr DNA sequencing data revealed similarity of the isolates to different species of Pseudomonas, i.e., P. fluroscens (11), P. aeruginosa (3), P. putida (3), P. stutzeri (2) and P. syringe (1). These nucleotide sequences were submitted to the NCBI GenBank database with accession numbers respectively MT775484 to MT775503. The 16S rDNA sequences were aligned and used to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree with bootstrap values using software MEGA 6.06. The phylogenetic tree comprised of three clades. Clade I comprised of sixteen isolates, clade II four isolates and clade III only one isolate. The members of clade I belonged to P. fluorescens, P. putida and P. stutzeri whereas members of clade II comprised of P. aeruginosa. However, clade III consisted of P. syringae. In vitro test showed PsEc17 (P. fluorescens, MT775500) as most efficient in solubilizing tricalcium phosphate (78.53 µg ml-1) and IAA production (78.53 µg ml-1). PsEc17 also proved most efficient and showed 69.5% inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini.

Antimicrobial packaging film from cactus (Cylindropuntia fulgida) mucilage and gelatine

Gelatine is an excellent substitute for biodegradable packaging materials; nevertheless, it is necessary to mix it with other polymers due to its poor mechanical and high hydrophilicity. In the present study, we used Cylindropuntia fulgida mucilage (CF) as main constituent and gelatine (GTN). The Euphorbia caducifolia extract (ECE) was incorporated in concentrations of 0, 1, 5, 10, 20 %, and its influence on the film's morphological, thermal, mechanical, and water vapor barrier properties was assessed. The surface of fabricated CF/GTN/ECE biocomposite films was more homogeneous and smoother with the high concentration of in ECE. The elongation at break improved from 2 to 60.59 %, and WVP enhanced from 3.34 to 2.59 10−4 g mm/mm2 day kPa and highest antimicrobial activity of 3.62 ± 0.71 Log CFU g−1 when CF/GTN was incorporated with 20 % ECE. Incorporating CF and ECE 10 to 20 % makes these films a good substitute for the packaging of food products.

Thanatological behavior of a female Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca)

We report an observation at Jhalana Leopard Reserve (JLR), Jaipur, India. On 16 March 2019, we saw a female walking up the mountain while calling her two, 4-month-old, male and female cubs. This allowed several safari jeeps to park in the shade of nearby Acacia trees. Two Striped Hyenas (Hyaena hyaena) approached and sniffed at the base of one of the trees near the parked jeeps. Upon seeing the Hyaenas, the female ran down the mountain, passed between the jeeps, and climbed into the tree. That is when we noticed the body of the female cub at a height of approximately 4.5 m. The female licked the body of the cub for several minutes and then picked it up in her mouth, climbed down from the tree, passed again between the jeeps, and walked up the mountain towards a dense stand of Thor (Euphorbia caducifolia), a thorny cactus. Our observations display how a mother leopard that has lost a cub refuses to abandon the carcass, cached it in a tree, and when discovered by scavengers removed it to a thicket of cacti. We consider the behavior towards her dead cub, and subsequent caching when discovered by other animals, to be the first evidence for thanatological expression in leopards.

Effect of season on quantity and quality of latex of rakta snuhi (Euphorbia caducifolia Haines): An analytical study

Introduction: Ayurveda recommends standardization of different useful parts of herbal drug, either organized or unorganized, starting from its collection. The latex of snuhi is said to be collected at the end of Shishira ritu. This article highlights the result of scientific study on effect of season on collection of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. (EC), one of the botanicl source of Snuhi. Materials and Methods: The fresh crude latex of EC was collected in clean glass vials in all the six ritu, i.e. Hemanta-S1 (November–December), Shishira-S2 (January–February), Vasanta-S3 (March–April), Grishma-S4 (May–June), Varsha-S5 (July–August), and Sharada-S6 (September–October). The collection was done for 4 days in each ritu and 3 times in a day, i.e. before sunrise, 3 h after sunrise, and 6 h after sunrise (6AS), by incision of branch, incision of main stem, and Plucking of branch. The observations regarding volume, girth of plant parts, pH, viscosity, and specific gravity along with preliminary phytochemical analysis of latex were carried out in samples of crude latex collected in six seasons. The seasonal similarity and diversity was assessed by applying principal component analysis using Unscrambler software 9.7 version. Results and Conclusion: Rakta Snuhi latex collected during Hemanta ritu (November–December) was well differentiated from other ritu, with regard to volume and girth. Highest volume of latex was collected by plucking of branch. Data shows that the latex is having highest pH (5.29) in Varsha ritu (July–August), specific gravity (1.034) in Vasanta ritu (March–April), and the relative viscosity (2.444) in Shishira ritu (January–February)

Distribution, associated vegetation, conservation and utilization of Grewia tenax: an important underutilized shrub species of the Thar Desert of India

AbstractGrewia tenax locally known as ‘Gangerun’, is an important multipurpose underutilized shrub and potentially threaten species of the Thar Desert of India. Owing to its importance, naturally available germplasm was collected and evaluated for its sustainable utilization in future. Data on individual mother plant, seed characters and soil profile were investigated. Habitat occurrence of G. tenax was found in patches with dominant association of Euphorbia caducifolia across the four districts of western Rajasthan. Individual plant on unprotected area portrayed far lower average height (0.95 m) and canopy area (1.75 m2) than protected area (2.63 m and 13.89 m2) signifying level of browsing pressure on this species in Jaisalmer. Soil samples belonging to Pali region have high organic carbon and low electrical conductivity content than Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The statistical analysis of seed characters revealed the presence of high coefficient of variation (%) in 100-seed weight (HSW; 27.36) followed by seed length (SL; 8.06) and least in seed breadth (SB; 5.85). The range and mean values of HSW, SL, SB and length:breadth ratio (LBR) were (2.02–7.00 and 3.34 g), (4.36–6.15 and 5.36 mm), (3.73–4.68 and 4.25 mm) and (1.11–1.44 and 1.27), respectively. Significantly positive correlation was observed between SL and LBR (0.73) followed by HSW and SL (0.66). Along with these findings, its economic importance, utilization and conservation are detailed in this paper as to hasten further research on its various aspects for its successful conservation and utilization.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES OF FLAVONOIDS OF LEAVES FROM DIFFERENT CACTUS, PERENNIAL GRASSES AND MEDICINAL PLANT

Comparative study of antibacterial properties of flavonoids of leaves from different Cactus (Euphorbia caducifolia); perennial grasses(Panicum antidotale and Lasiurus sindicus) and medicinal plant (Anaegissus rotundifolia) against some important bacteria (G+ve or G-ve) was done. Flavonoid extracts of leaves from all the selected plants were found to possess strong antibacterial activity against these test pathogenic microbes, as revealed by ZOI=(mm± SD), AI, MIC=(mg/ml), MMC=(mg/ml) and TA=(ml/gm) of extracts against each sensitive test pathogenic bacteria were also evaluated. Most of the pathogens were found to be sensitive against these flavonoid extracts. Free flavonoid extract of grasses and medicinal plant showed higher activity against most of the pathogens. Euphorbia caducifolia is the most inactive plant in this study. All pathogens didn’t show any activity against Euphorbia caducifolia except Proteus mirabilis which show 7.83±0.21 mm ZOI for free flavonoid. Highest ZOI (18.67±0.26) was recorded for free flavonoid of medicinal plant (Anaegissus rotundifolia) against Bacillus subtilis (G+ve bacteria) as well as other parameters like AI (1.245), MIC (0.039 mg/ml), MMC (0.78 mg/ml) were found higher against Bacillus subtilisand highest TA (1012.821 ml/gm) were found highest for free flavonoid of Lasiurus sindicus against Bacillus subtilis. The findings of the present study suggested the exploitation of flavonoid extracts of Anaegissus rotundifoliaand of Lasiurus sindicusfor future antibacterial drugs.

Management of Padadari (cracked feet) with Rakta Snuhi (Euphorbia caducifolia Haines.) based formulation: An open-labeled clinical study.

Introduction:Ayurveda considers, Padadari (cracked feet) as disease condition, under Kshudra Kushtha (minor diseases of skin). Cracked feet also known as heel fissures is a common foot problem characterized by yellowish color of the skin on the heel of the foot, hard skin growth, hardening and cracks in the feet associated with pain, bleeding or itching. Vaidya Manorama, Ayurvedic compendia, recommended Snuhi oil as a remedy for Padadari. An open-labeled clinical trial has been conducted to evaluate the effect of Rakta Snuhi-based formulation in Padadari.Materials and Methods:Snuhi oil was prepared by mixing Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) 24 g; 300 ml latex of Rakta Snuhi (Euphorbia caducifolia); 4.8 l. of water, Sarshapa Taila (mustard oil) 1.2 l. and further heating of oil, following classical guidelines of Sneha Kalpana. For better acceptability, the medicated oil was then gradually mixed with “Aerosil,” a thickener, for converting the mixture into gel form. Twenty-six patients, diagnosed with Padadari, were treated by applying 3 g (or as per requirement) of Rakta Snuhi Ksheera gel twice daily for 21 consecutive days.Results:Response to the treatment was recorded on a weekly basis and therapeutic effect was evaluated through symptomatic relief.Conclusion:The study yielded statistically highly significant results in symptoms such as cracks associated with pain (P < 0.001), Rukshata (dryness) (P < 0.001) and Kandu (itching) (P < 0.001).

GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT, SARCOSTEMMA VIMINALE (L.) R.BR. FROM THAR DESERT, RAJASTHAN (INDIA)

Objective: Sarcostemma viminale (L.) R. Br. is one of the important endangered medicinal plants belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the possible bioactive phytochemicals from stem of S. viminale (L.) R. Br. using methanol, chloroform, and hexane as solvents.Methods: Plant material was collected from typical conditions of Indian Thar Desert in the month of July-September, 2016. This plant always grows in association with the congeneric plant, Euphorbia caducifolia. The phytochemical compounds were investigated using Perkin-Elmer gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, while the mass spectra of the compounds found in the extract were matched with the National Institute of Standards and Technology library.Results: Maximum % area is found for Lup-20-(29)-en-3-yl acetate is present maximum amount (40.85%) with reaction time (RT)=43.787 minutes, followed by 4, 4, 6A, 6B, 8A, 11, 11, 14B-octamethyl-1, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12A, 14, 14A, 14B-octadecahydro-2H-picen-3- one$$olean-12-en-3-one# (13.74%) with RT=44.420 minutes in the methanolic extract; acetic acid 4, 4, 6A, 8A, 11, 12, 14B-octamethyl-1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12A, 14, 14A, 14B-eicosahydro-picen-3-yl ester $$ urs-12-en-3-yl acetate is present maximum amount (44.98%) with RT=48.265 minutes, followed by. beta.-amyrin (18.51%) with RT=40.580 minutes in the chloroform extract; acetic acid 4, 4, 6A, 8A, 11, 12, 14B-octamethyl-1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12A, 14, 14A, 14B-eicosahydro-picen-3-yl ester $$ urs-12-en-3-yl acetate is present maximum amount (45.47%) with RT=48.514 minutes, followed by. beta.-amyrin (19.21%) with RT=40.555 minutes in the hexane extract of stem of S. viminale (L.) R. Br.Conclusion: Medicinal plants contain one or more substances that can be used for therapeutic purpose; they are used by the world population for their basic health needs. The importance of the study is to investigate the pinpoint biological activity of some of these compounds so that they can be used by pharma or some other drug designing industry to find a novel drug.

APPLICATION OF THE RESIN DERIVED FROM THE NATIVE EUPHORBIA CADUCIFOLIA HAINES AS MULTIFUNCTIONAL ADDITIVE IN FILLED NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT The whole coagulum (Cog) and its toluene-soluble fraction [toluene extract (TE)] obtained via the coagulation of the latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines was used as a green, multifunctional additive in a filled NR compound. The actions of Cog and TE were compared with two commercial resins, non-heat-reactive octyl phenol-formaldehyde (PF) and coumarone-indene (CI), at equal doses and also with conventional aromatic oil (through replacement). Both Cog and TE exhibited comparable tack strength with CI, but lower tack strength with PF. In addition, TE improved the cure rate index, unlike Cog and the commercial resins. When the aromatic oil was replaced with TE and Cog at different levels, we observed that TE could replace 100% of the original oil content, whereas Cog could only replace 33% of the original oil content from the recipe without deterioration of physico-mechanical properties. Both forms of natural resins decreased the intrinsic elasticity of the compounds and improved the aging resistance of the vulcanizates.

In vitro growth inhibition and cytotoxicity of Euphorbia caducifolia against four human cancer cell lines and its phytochemical characterisation

Several Euphorbia species have been used in folklore as cancer remedies, however, scientific studies on the cytotoxicity (in vitro studies) of Euphorbia caducifolia are lacking. In present study, anticancer potential of E. caducifolia aerial parts ethanol extract and its fractions were evaluated against human lung (NCI-H460), breast (MCF-7), prostate (PC-3) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, using sulphorhodamine-B in vitro cytotoxicity (in vitro studies) assay. The ethanol extract demonstrated growth inhibitory effect against all aforementioned cancer cell lines with IC50, 19–135 μg/mL and LC50, ~220 μg/mL, and its petroleum ether fraction obtained on bioactivity guided fraction showed highest activity with IC50, 28–70 μg/mL and LC50, 71 μg/mL against NCI-H460 and MCF-7 cell lines. Its phytochemicals were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The present study provides scientific justification for its traditional use against cancer.

Exposure to Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. latex) resulting in ocular injury: A case report

Objective: To report the case of Snuhi Ksheera (Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. latex) exposure causing ocular injury. Design: Single case study. Setting: Shalakyatantra department, IPGT &amp; RA, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Case: A 28 year old male research scholar complaining of acute severe pain in right eye with a history of accidentally touched Snuhi Ksheera with his gloved hand during the preparation of Ksharasutra (medicated caustic thread). Interventions: Patient was treated with topical steroid and antibiotic drops along with Ghrita Manda (supernatant layer of ghee) as eye drops. Patient was observed until all sign and symptoms had resolved. Main Outcome Measures: Symptoms, visual activity and clinical signs of inflammation. Patient provided a specimen of the plant for formal identification. Results: Initial symptoms were burning, redness, irritation, lacrimation and stinging pain with blurred vision. All signs and symptoms had resolved within 3 days. There was moderate lid edema and conjunctival congestion. On examination, the patient had a visual acuity of 6/12 in right eye and intraocular pressures were 13.9 mmHg bilaterally. Conclusion: Individuals who work with Euphorbia plants should be cautioned to wear eye protection and gloves. Our suggestion for managing of Snuhi ksheera (Euphorbia sap) ocular injury is administered drops of Ghrita Manda as supportive therapy.

Euphorbia gokakensis sp. nov. (Euphorbiaceae) from sandstone formations in Karnataka, India

Euphorbia gokakensis, a new succulent species of Euphorbiaceae, is described from the Belgaum district of Karnataka, India. The new species belongs to Euphorbia subgen. Euphorbia, and closely resembles Euphorbia caducifolia Haines. However, it is distinguished by its characteristic dwarf habit forming a compact cushion that hardly exceeds 50 cm in height.

ANALYSIS OF AUTOHESION AND PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES (MULTIFUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR) OF THE COAGULUM FROM THE LATEX OF EUPHORBIA CADUCIFOLIA HAINES VIS-À-VIS COMPARISON AGAINST SYNTHETIC RESINS IN NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS

ABSTRACT Soft and tacky mass recognized as whole coagulum (Cog) and its toluene soluble fraction (TE) obtained through coagulation of latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines has been investigated in this article as green tackifier cum multifunctional agent in natural rubber (NR) based gum compounds. It was observed that inclusion of TE and Cog in the formulations increased tack strength over the control compound (without TE and Cog). At the same loading, autohesion for natural and commercial coumarone indene resin was found comparable. However, phenol formaldehyde (non–heat reactive octyl phenol formaldehyde) resin demonstrated highest tack strength among all the NR compositions studied. Presence of various functional groups such as esters/carboxylic acid, carbon–carbon unsaturation, and so on, in natural resin activated the system and reduced the activation energy barrier for curing. The optimized composition with 5 phr TE showed nearly 5% reductions in activation energy over the control compound. However, no such cure acceleration was displayed by Cog. Unaged tensile properties of the compounds with natural resin at similar proportions to commercial resins were found comparable. Retention of tensile properties after aging for the vulcanizates with TE was better than those with the commercial resins. For Cog, however, the retention of elongation at break and tensile strength were slightly higher compared with tensile modulus.

A Distribution and Ultrastructure of Laticifers in the Phylloclade of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Euphorbia caducifolia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Haines, a Potential Hydrocarbon Yielding CAM Plant

The present study describes the anatomy, distribution, morphology and ultrastructure of laticifer system in the phylloclades of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines (Family Euphorbiaceae), a potential biofuel yielding, Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) plant for the first time using light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histochemical tests were performed to identify the principal components of latex using a variety of stains. In cross section, the phylloclade is composed of four distinct regions: the epidermis, cortex, vascular cylinder and pith. The phylloclade anatomy indicated xeromorphic characters and provided an insight about its capacity to grow with very little rainfall and/or inputs on dry or marginal lands. Non-articulated laticifers are present in the cortex, vascular cylinder and pith, but their frequency varies with the tissue type. Highest laticifer frequency was observed in vascular cylinder (9.6%) followed by cortex (3.9%) and pith regions (1.9%). In contrast, laticifer index was found to be higher in the pith (12.7%) followed by cortex (3.8%) and vascular cylinder (2.3%). The discovery of a system of laticifers in E. caducifolia not described earlier could also be of taxonomic value. The histo-chemical tests revealed the presence of lipids, phenols, flavonoids, protein and starch in laticifer. As described by TEM observations laticifers contained distinct cell wall, nucleus and cytoplasm with ribosomes, small and big vacuoles, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, plastids and osmophilic bodies. The lipophilic compounds present in the latex of this species could be used as chemical feedstock for the production of biofuels.

Unique Multifunctional Behaviour of Ash from the Latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines in Chlorobutyl Rubber (CIIR) Compound for a Truck Inner-Tube Application - Part II

The latex of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines is a green renewable source of material which acts as the origin of Ash. Ash generated from toluene insoluble fraction of the coagulum at 750°C found to contain nearly 73% magnesium oxide (MgO). It was observed that the ash can act as a cure retarder in a model chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR) based truck inner tube compound and its action was comparable with the commercial MgO, though not exactly equivalent. Optimum cure-retardation with ash was observed at 0.3 phr loading. Surprisingly, the ash also produced some cure activation effect due to presence of zinc oxide. Rate of cure in gum/ filled compositions at 0.3 phr loading of ash was found 125/48 min-1 against 106.4/29.6 min-1 of commercial MgO.

Technical Analysis of Euphorbia caducifolia Haines Latex of South-East Asian Origin - Part I

Identification and characterization of the latex from Euphorbia caducifolia Haines has been thoroughly described in this article. The average total solid content (TSC) of the latex was 27% and pH was found to vary between 6 to 7. About 70% by weight of the whole coagulum (Cog) was found soluble in toluene; rest was insoluble. Toluene soluble portion (TE) was mainly composed of terpenes and terpenoids of three different molecular weights; the lowest molecular weight fraction being the dominant (82%) one. Presence of about 8% natural rubber (NR, a polyterpene), mostly of cis configuration, was also identified from the composition analysis of that portion. Due to dominant low molecular weight mass, it was tackier as compared to Cog portion when manually felt. Thermal characterization showed a low temperature melting behavior (starting at 70°C for Cog and at 104°C for TE), ideal for a tackifier resin. Both Cog and TE portions were found to exhibit high thermal decomposition temperature ensuring high process safety. The ash was rich in magnesium oxide and has a great potential to be used as the cure retarder in certain rubber compounds. Absence of any deleterious metals like copper, manganese etc. was also a great positive point towards its application standpoint.

GCMS analysis and antimicrobial action of latex of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Euphorbia caducifolia&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Euphorbia caducifolia is conspicuously and regularly represented in the flora of the Rajasthan state. Latex of E. caducifolia is used to cure skin infections, cutaneous eruption, leucoderma and applied to cuts and wounds for speedy healing. The GCMS analysis of fraction isolated from latex showed presence of methyl palmitate, 5,9-heptadecadienoate, methyl 11 octadecenoate, methyl octadecenoate and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl- 2-hexadecene-l-ol. Isolated fraction of E. caducifolia (IFEC) and latex of E. caducifolia (ECL) were tested against S. aureus, M. luteus, B. subtilis, E. coli, S. typhi, A. niger and C. albicans. IFEC was found to be more effective against fungal species, and MIC was found to be 150 µg/ml against A. niger.

Cyclocaducinol, a cycloartane type triterpene from Euphorbia caducifolia

A new 31-norcycloartane type triterpene, cyclocaducinol, has been isolated from the latex of Euphorbia caducifolia. Its absolute structure was determined as (24 R)-24-ethyl-31-norcycloart-20-en-3β-ol by the use of chemical and spectroscopic methods including 2D NMR. The known triterpenes euphol, tirucallol and cycloartenol have also been isolated as major constituents.

LEAFLESS EUPHORBIA IN RAJASTHAN ROCKS

SummaryStudies of attached and detached leaves of Euphorbia caducifolia, the latter collected from morphologically different plants, suggested that this species exhibited typical crassulacean features of acid metabolism. Fluctuations in acidity were found to be due mostly to the appearance and disappearance of malic acid in dark and light respectively. Deacidification also took place when leaves were kept in dark for a longer period. The TAN showed a fall when the leaves aged and were about to fall. A remarkable feature found in this species was the high percentage of total acids which ranged up to 8240 mg/100 g fresh weight of leaves, together with great differences in the constituents analysed. This suggests that morphological diversity is correlated with physiological diversity.