Organization Of Vascular System Research Articles

Comparative study of three Marantodes pumilum varieties by microscopy, spectroscopy and chromatography

Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (synonym: Labisia pumila (Blume) Fern.-Vill), Primulaceae, is well known for its traditional use as a post-partum medication among women in Malaysia. Three varieties of M. pumilum, var. alata Scheff., var. pumila and var. lanceolata (Scheff.) Mez. are commonly used. Nowadays, M. pumilum powder or extracts are commercially available as herbal supplements and beverages. Authentication of the variety is an important component of product quality control. Thus, the present work was aimed to compare the three varieties using microscopic, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques. Microscopic anatomical examination and powder microscopy were performed on fresh and dried plant materials, respectively. Fingerprint profiles of the varieties were obtained using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer, high performance thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The microscopic examination showed presence of anisocytic stomata, scale and capitate glandular trichome in all varieties. The type of stomata and trichomes, outline structure of stem and leaf margin, petiole and midrib, organization of vascular system, areolar venation, pattern of anticlinal walls, the distribution of secretory canals and cell inclusion as well as the measurement of selected structures could be used to distinguish and identify each variety of M. pumilum. In addition, spectroscopic and chromatographic fingerprint analyses of the three varieties exhibited distinguishable profiles based on the intensity of certain peaks or bands. The findings from this study will provide systematic identification for these varieties.

Anatomy of stem‐node‐leaf continuum in Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) in the Eastern Carpathians

Studies of the anatomical structure of the stem and leaf, with special emphasis on the organization of the vascular system, has been carried out on 13 Aconitum species from Aconitum subgenera Aconitum, Anthora and Lycoctonum. All investigated species show a more or less mesomorphic anatomical structure, typical for other Ranunculaceae. Hence, these species have similar trilacunar three‐trace organization of the nodal vascular system. In the stem the vascular system is open (with weakly developed cambium) or closed collateral, and incomplete (consisting of the bundles were represented), large complete, middle‐size complete and small incomplete or with weakly developed xylem. The number of vascular bundles in petioles appear to have no taxonomical value. Nevertheless, it was found that the spatial organization of these vascular bundles in the petiole are of taxonomic importance. As a result, the investigated species can be divided into four main groups congruent with the current sectional and subgeneric division of the genus. The only exception was A. × cammarum (A. sect. Acomarum) in which the is identical to that of A. sect. Cammarum. The most primitive vascularization is found in A. anthora, while the most advanced one is found in A. variegatum. The highly differentiated and distinct nodal anatomy of A. anthora suggests a high, plausibly subgeneric, taxonomical rank of this species.

The Organization of the Vascular System in the Stems of the Nymphaeaceae. II. Nymphaea Subgenera Anecphya, Lotos, and Brachyceras

The anatomy and organization of the stem vascular system was analyzed in representative taxa of Nymphaea (subgenera Anecphya, Lotos, and Brachyceras). The stem vascular system consists of a series of concentric axial stem bundles from which traces to lateral organs depart. At the node each leaf is supplied with a median and two lateral leaf traces. At the same level a root trace supplies vascular tissue to adventitious roots borne on the leaf base. Flowers and vegetative buds occupy leaf sites in the genetic spiral and in the parastichies seen on the stem exterior. Certain leaves have flowers related to them spatially and by vascular association. Flowers (and similarly vegetative buds) are vascularized by a peduncle trace that arises from a peduncle fusion bundle located in the pith. The peduncle fusion bundle is formed by the fusion of vascular tissue derived from axial stem bundles that supply traces to certain leaves. The organization of the vascular system in the investigated taxa of Nymphaea is unique to angiosperms but similar to other subgenera of Nymphaea.

THE ORGANIZATION OF THE VASCULAR SYSTEM IN THE STEMS OF THE NYMPHAEACEAE. II. NYMPHAEA SUBGENERA ANECPHYA, LOTOS, AND BRACHYCERAS

The anatomy and organization of the stem vascular system was analyzed in representative taxa of Nymphaea (subgenera Anecphya, Lotos, and Brachyceras). The stem vascular system consists of a series of concentric axial stem bundles from which traces to lateral organs depart. At the node each leaf is supplied with a median and two lateral leaf traces. At the same level a root trace supplies vascular tissue to adventitious roots borne on the leaf base. Flowers and vegetative buds occupy leaf sites in the genetic spiral and in the parastichies seen on the stem exterior. Certain leaves have flowers related to them spatially and by vascular association. Flowers (and similarly vegetative buds) are vascularized by a peduncle trace that arises from a peduncle fusion bundle located in the pith. The peduncle fusion bundle is formed by the fusion of vascular tissue derived from axial stem bundles that supply traces to certain leaves. The organization of the vascular system in the investigated taxa of Nymphaea is unique to angiosperms but similar to other subgenera of Nymphaea.