Quisqualis Indica Research Articles

Purification of textile wastewater by collective degradation using nanorods of cesium titanium bromide (CsTiBr3) perovskite

The present work recommends a sustainable environmentally safe method for the removal of textile dyes in an economically viable way.The wastewater expelled from the textile dying units contains a mixture of dyes. Here we address the challenge of using a single catalyst for the collective photocatalytic degradation of mixture of six dyes and two samples of textile effluents collected from a local dying unit under direct sunlight. The lead-free perovskite of CsTiBr3 nanorods prepared via the solvothermal process is effective in the collective photocatalytic degradation of dye mixture containing toxic dyes like congo red, crystal violet, malachite green, methylene blue, rhodamine, and methyl orange. The six-dye mixture turned colorless within three hours of direct sunlight exposure. The collective photocatalytic degradation ability of CsTiBr3 perovskite nanorods is successfully exploited for the degradation of the textile effluents. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) analysis guarantees the degradation of dye into non-toxic components. The recycling of wastewater is made possible by the removal of CsTiBr3 catalysts through adsorption using biochar derived from invasive plants. The biochars are extracted from invasive plants such as Acrostichum Aureum, Alternanthera bettzickiana, cyclosorus interrupts, and Quisqualis indica in which Acrostichum Aureum showed maximum adsorption. The scavenger studies using isopropyl alcohol (IPA), ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA), and silver nitrate (AgNO3) suggest that holes control the photocatalysis mechanism.

A comparative phytochemical investigation and antioxidant activity of Quisqualis indica L.

Quisqualis indica L. is an herbaceous plant with many active ingredients that function as antioxidants and anticancer agents. Traditional medicine has long employed Quisqualis indica L. as an anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrheal, and anti-diabetic plant. The study aims to compare the antioxidant activity of leaves and flowers. By employing a particular reagent, a qualitative examination revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds were isolated from leaves and flowers such as hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, catechin, Rutin, kaempferol, and sinapic acid. According to the HPLC analysis, flowers contain a higher percentage of flavonoids and phenolic compounds than leaves. For the ascorbic acid, the antioxidant activity shows that the plant has significant inhibition activity against free radicals in both the leaves and the flowers, and the flowers are more active than the leaves. Also, the antioxidant activity increases with increasing concentration from 25 to 400 mg mL-1; the IC50 values for the flowers were 100 µg mL-1 and 200 µg mL-1 for the leaves.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Lights on Micropropagation Protocol for Quisqualis indica L.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Lights on Micropropagation Protocol for Quisqualis indica L.

In-Vitro anti-Urolithiatic activity of Quisqualis indica– Flower oil

In-Vitro anti-Urolithiatic activity of Quisqualis indica– Flower oil

Morphological identification and in vitro management of Alternaria alternata causing fruit rot of persimmon

Persimmon is one of the major fruit crops in Pakistan. Fruit rot of persimmon is a continuing threat to growers and is accountable for enormous economic loss. The investigations were done on persimmon fruit that were collected from local markets of Lahore. Diseased persimmon fruits were isolated and identified on the basis of cultural and morphological characteristics. On PDA, the cultivated isolates continuously produced dark brown to black colonies. Conidia had a small, conical beak with both transverse and longitudinal septa, and they were olivaceous to dark brown in color. Conidiophores were either branched or unbranched, short, septate, hyaline to olivaceous brown. Frequency of isolated fungi was calculated. The maximum percentage of A. alternata (61.00 %) was recorded followed by C. gloeosporioides (14.30 %) and B. theobromae (10.70 %). The least isolated pathogen was R. stolonifer (6.00 %) with a mean value of 5.00%. Evaluation of various plant extracts, such as (Cascabela thevetia, Euphorbia milii, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria rubra, Quisqualis indica, Syzygium aromaticum) was performed with Agar Well Diffusion Technique through CRD design The findings showed that with medicinal plants that were extracted with methanol and ethanol, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum showed significant results at higher concentrations and showed maximum zone of inhibition while Cascabela thevetia was least effective against S. sclerotiorum.

Quisqualis indica Linn.: HRLCMS/MS profiling and anti-asthma activity of leaf extracts

BackgroundAsthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, involving various cells and cellular elements precisely eosinophils, mast cells, neutrophils, T lymphocytes, epithelial cells, and macrophages. Worldwide, about 300 million people are affected by asthma, and is expected that 100 million people may get affected, in 2025. Quisqualis indica is commonly planted as an ornamental plant in India; and has medicinal uses. Therefore, the petroleum ether (60–80 °C) LPE and methanolic extract LME of the Quisqualis indica leaves were analyzed for anti-asthmatic activity by mast cell degranulation and Milk induced eosinophilia and leukocytosis in mice.ResultsIt was found that Quisqualis indica leaf extracts exhibited protection against the degranulation of mast cells and a reduction in the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LPE and LME (400 mg/kg) have shown 33% and 63% of mast cell protection. LME has shown the most significant mast cell stabilizing action comparable with the standard drug. The extracts decreased the difference count of leucocytes and eosinophils. LME (400 mg/kg) has shown a difference in eosinophil count and a decrease in leukocyte count most comparable with the standard Dexamethasone. Methanolic extract analyzed for phytochemicals by High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy /Mass Spectroscopy method showed the presence of various Phyto-compounds.ConclusionFrom the analysis of methanolic leaf extract of Quisualis indica revealed the presence of phytocompounds such as Apigenin7-glucoside, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Quercitrin, Kaempferol, etc. The significant decrease in eosinophil and leukocyte count in animals might be due to the higher content of Tannin and flavonoids. A reduction in leukocyte and eosinophil is regulated by type 1 hypersensitivity and adaptogenic factors hence Quisqualis indica is effectively helpful in allergy conditions like asthma.Graphical abstract

Origin differentiation based on volatile constituents of genuine medicinal materials Quisqualis indica L. via HS-GC-MS, response surface methodology, and chemometrics.

Quisqualis indica L. (QIL) has a long history as a traditional Chinese herb in China, but the study of volatile components in QIL from different geographical sources has been relatively rare. To establish an optimal headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) method to comprehensively analyse the volatile component profile and screen quality markers of QIL from different origins. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise the conditions for headspace analysis. The volatile components of QIL from four main origins of southwest China were analysed and identified by HS-GC-MS. The similarity of all samples of QIL was evaluated by fingerprint. The differences of the volatile components in QIL from different origins were distinguished by chemometrics. According to the optimal conditions of RSM, a total of 31 volatile components were identified, including fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols, alkyl pyrazines, and other volatile components. Similarity evaluation presented that there were 26 common volatile components with different contents in all samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that QIL from four different origins could be roughly divided into four categories. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated that QIL from different origins had obvious regional characteristics. The optimised HS-GC-MS method provided a strategy to rapidly, effectively, and accurately elucidate the volatile component profile of QIL from different origins, and seven important differential components were screened for quality evaluation and origin traceability.

Morphological characterization of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing fruit rot of papaya and its management using biopesticides

Papaya is an important fruit crop and susceptible to several post-harvest diseases at every stage of its life cycle. Papaya fruit rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is a serious postharvest disease that results in significant losses both in storage and on the market. Papaya fruit that was gathered from several Lahore fruit marketplaces was the subject of the studies. Based on physical and cultural traits, diseased papaya fruits were separated and identified. The virus developed mycelial colonies on PDA media that were sparse and creamy white. These colonies ultimately became fluffy and light brown. Sclerotia began to appear after three days of mycelial growth, and after seven days, they were fully visible in the shape of rings or distributed across the mycelial surface of the Petri plate. This allowed for the calculation of the frequency of isolated fungi. It was recorded maximum percentage of S. sclerotiorum (58%) was recorded followed by Alternaria alternata (21.5 %) and Aspergillus niger (10.0 %), while Penicillum spp. was least isolated fungi with a mean value of 5.00%. The assessment of different plant extracts including (Cascabela thevetia, Euphorbia milii, Moringa oleifera, Plumeria rubra, Quisqualis indica, Syzygium aromaticum) was done with Agar Well Diffusion Technique under CRD design. The findings showed that of the medicinal plants that were extracted using methanol and ethanol, Moringa oleifera and Syzygium aromaticum showed significant results at higher concentrations and showed maximum zone of inhibition while Cascabela thevetia was least effective against S. sclerotiorum.

Pharmacological Investigation on Unraveling Mechanism of Action of Quisqualis indica Leaves for Predicted Treatment of Peptic Ulcer Disease

Background:: With the aid of various ulcer-induced models, the goal of this study was to assess the antiulcer ability of Qusqualis indica (Q. indica) leaf extracts in Wistar rats Method:: The induction of ulcers was done by different models like pylorus ligation method, ethanol-induced and stress-induced models. Group 1 (negative control), Group 2 (standard group) were treated with Sucralfate (8.6 mg/kg), Group 3 was treated with aqueous extract of Q. indica (AEQI,200 mg/kg), Group 4 was treated with aqueous extract of Q. indica (AEQI,400 mg/kg), Group 5 was treated with ethanolic extract of Q. indica (EEQI, 200 mg/kg) and Group 6 was treated with ethanol extract of Q. indica (EEQI, 400 mg/kg). All therapies were given orally twice every day. After the course of treatment was complete, blood and gastrointestinal contents were taken, and biochemical tests were run. The acetylcholine and histamine drug response curves were used to develop the mechanism of the extracts. Results:: The groups treated with extracts experienced a significant decrease in ulcer index. The antiulcer potential of the AEQI and EEQI is dose-dependent. Hematological, hepatic, and cardiac parameters were not significantly affected by the extracts, although high-density lipoprotein production was. Acetylcholine and histamine are blocked by AEQI and EEQI, according to the DRC analysis. The obtained scientific facts are amply supported by histopathological analysis Conclusion:: AEQI and EEQI have antiulcer potential in a dose-dependent manner, but further research must be needed.

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Drug resistance is the main issue causing the treatment failure of anticancer drugs. This issue has urged researchers to search for new substances from medicinal plants, which are widely reported as the good sources of anticancer agents. Quisqualis indica is a plant belongs to Combretaceae family, known as Rangoon Creeper, which can be found abundantly in tropical countries and distributed profusely as a wild shrub. It has been widely used traditionally and scientifically claimed to process various therapeutic activities. It has recently been reported to possess various potential anticancer activities against different cancers. Looking at its availability in almost all seasons and grow fast, it is an arising source of herbal medicine in the discovery of anticancer drugs economically. Besides, Q. indica is enriched with several secondary metabolites of interest, which are responsible for the positive findings for its anticancer potentials. In this review, we aim to decipher and discuss the anticancer activities of Q. indica crude extracts and isolated phytochemicals as evidenced in preclinical models, as well as the associated molecular mechanisms. More preclinical investigations on its anticancer potentials should be conducted before translation to clinical testing.

Establishment of quality parameters of Quisqualis indica leaves through sophisticated analytical techniques

ABSTRACT. Quisqualis indica (Q. indica; Rangoon creeper) is found in Asia and finds its place in Ayurvedic texts, ethno-medicine as well as modern research. Its leaves contain important constituents like rutin, quisqualis acid, trigonelline, L-proline and L-asparagine. Traditionally, the leaves are used as antipyretic, anti-flatulent, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, and anti-diarrhoeal. Modern pharmacological research also supports these claims. However, this plant remains unexplored phytochemically, which restricts any means for standardization of its formulations. The present research focuses on analysis of leaves of Q. indica using sophisticated chromatographic and spectral techniques. Thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used. After several pilots, TLC analyses, an HPTLC fingerprint of methanolic extract of the leaves was performed using chloroform: methanol: ethyl acetate (7: 3: 3) solvent system, which showed 12 peaks at 254 nm and 9 peaks at 366 nm. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic extract detected 7 known phytochemicals, some of them having pharmacological importance. This research may serve the parameters for quality control of Q. indica leaves in herbal industries, in the detection of adulteration of its formulations as well as open new avenues for phytochemical research, including isolation of a marker compound.
 
 KEY WORDS: Quisqualis indica, Adulteration, Fingerprinting, GC-MS, HPTLC, Standardization
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(2), 289-298. 
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i2.4

Repeated oral dose toxicity and genotoxicity of a standardized Quisqualis indica extract.

Quisqualis indica L. of Combretaceae family is a traditional medicine that is widely used for various gastrointestinal discomfort including stomach pain, constipation, and digestive problem. In this study, the potential repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity of a standardized Quisqualis indica L. extract (HU033) were determined under good laboratory practice conditions. For the repeated dose toxicity test, HU033 was orally administered to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats at doses of 500, 1000, and 2000mg/kg/day for 13 consecutive weeks. The genotoxicity of HU033 was determined with a standard battery of genotoxicity test, including an in vitro bacterial reverse mutation test, an in vitro chromosomal aberration test, and an in vivo micronucleus test. After 13weeks of repeated dose of HU033 by oral administration, there was no treatment related adverse clinical sign including food consumption, organ weights, and histopathological findings or significant decrement in bodyweight. The no-observed-adverse-effect level of HU033 was higher than 2000mg/kg in both male and female SD rats. No target organs were identified. In addition, no evidence of HU033 genotoxicity was detected based on results from the bacterial reverse mutation test, chromosomal aberration test, and micronucleus test. Based on results of this study, HU033 could be safely used in food and medical products within the tested dose range.

Pharmacognostic Study and Establishment of Quality Parameters of Quisqualis indica Linn. Leaves

Plants contain phytochemicals that can promote health and improve illness. Herbal drugs frequently fail to meet this standard, due to lack of scientific data to identify the plant. Thus, this study sets pharmacognostic characters of the Quisqualis indica leaves which will help for its identification and detection of adulteration/substitution. The quantitative microscopy leaf constants, length and width of trichomes, diameter of parenchyma cells, and calcium oxalate crystals were also analyzed. The physicochemical evaluation, for example ash value, extractive value, moisture content (LOD), etc. were performed. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of petroleum ether (60-80°C), chloroform, and ethanol discovered the occurrence of the phytoconstituents, for example alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, phenolic compounds, etc. Fluorescence behavior of these extracts and leaf powder was also studied in different solvents and reagents. This information may act as reference information and help in identification, authentication, and investigation of the plant material.

Potential of pink pigmented methylotrophic bacteria on growth and physiology of cluster bean and soil microbial community

Methylotrophs are one of the prominent microbial community which are known for utilizing methanol as well as carbon sources from various plant metabolic activities and in turn facilitates the host plant growth by synthesizing phytohormones. A pot study was conducted to examine the bio-fertilizing potential of pink pigmented methylotrophic bacteria (PPFM) on cluster bean ( Cyamopsis tetragonolaba (L.) Taub and its impact on soil microbial communities . Foliar and soil application modes of treatment was employed for the study. Our results showed that isolated strain from Quisqualis indica leaf was identified as Methylobacterium tardum (strain IHBB) by 16s rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis confirmed its relationship with other Methylobacterium spp. Soil microbes such as bacterial population (9.25 CFU x 10- 6 /g), fungal population (70.05 CFU x 10 −3 /g) and microalgae (9.65 CFU x 10 −4 /g) were found to be enhanced in 3% of M. tardum (T2) when compared to T1, T3 and control. Soil application of M. tardum exhibited better response on growth, biochemical and yield parameters of cluster bean than foliar application . This study confirms that M. tardum could be a promising candidate as microbial inoculant for plant growth and development as well as a positive driver for enriching the soil microbial community. •Isolated strain from Quisqualis indica leaf was identified as Methylobacterium tardum (strain IHBB) by 16s rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis confirmed its relationship with other Methylobacterium spp. • Soil application of M. tardum exhibited better response on growth, biochemical and yield parameters of cluster bean than foliar application. • Soil microbes such as bacterial population, fungal population and microalgae were found to be enhanced in 3% of M. tardum (T2). • M. tardum could be a suitable candidate as microbial inoculant for plant growth and development has the potential of enriching the soil microbiota.

Anti-allergic Assessment of Ethanol Extractives of Quisqualis Indica Linn

Aim:The present work was aimed at finding out the anti-allergic activity of ethanol extracts of Quisqualis indica Linn. (EEQI) by in-vitro and in-vivo murine models.Background:Worldwide, the rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases has continued in the industrialized world for more than 50 years. About 0.05-2% of the population is estimated to experience anaphylaxis at some point in life. Quisqualis indica Linn in an ornamental plant that has been rarely used as a herbal medicine, however, the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and immunomodulatory activity, which have some pathological relevance with anaphylaxis.Objective:The objective of the present research was to investigate, scientifically explore and understand the probable anti-anaphylactic mechanism of ethanol extracts of Quisqualis indica Linn. via different preclinical models.Material and Method:In-vitro study was done on de-granulated mesenteric mast cells induced by compound 48/80 and in-vivo study was done by Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis (PCA) model. In the in-vitro study degranulated mesenteric cells were grouped into negative control (compound 48/80 treated), positive control (Disodium cromoglycate + 48/80 treated) and 3 test groups (EEQI 10 μg/ml + 48/80 treated, EEQI 50 μg/ml + 48/80 treated and EEQI 100 μg/ml + 48/80 treated). The number of degranulated mast cells was counted and compared within the different treatment groups. In the in-vivo study, the rats were first grouped into negative control (vehicle only), positive control (Disodium cromoglycate) and 2 test groups (EEQI: 100 and 200 mg/kilogram). The animals were pretreated for 12 days. On the 12th day, all the rats were immunized with serum anti-ovalbumin (obtained from an already sensitized rat) by the intradermal route. After 24 h of serum injection, Evans blue dye containing oval albumin was administered intravenously in all groups. Three days later, the rats were taken down for the severity of the anaphylactic reactions.Result:EEQI significantly attenuates mast cell degranulation and maintains cell intactness as compared to control (P < 0.001). It was set up to support the degree of anaphylaxis as compared to the control group (P < 0.001).Conclusion:The outcomes of the work revealed the preventive effect of Quisqualis indica Linn. against allergic manifestations.

Free Radical Scavenging, Membrane Stabilizing and Thrombolytic Potentials of the Leaves of Quisqualis indica (L.)

Bangladesh is a land of thousands of plants which might provide a scope to obtain therapeutically important natural drugs. Systematic screening of plants is very vital to fulfill this goal. Quisqualis indica (L.) is a vine and it belongs to the Combretaceae family. It grows all over the Bangladesh. It has some local uses to treat headache, skin disease, diarrhea, fever, cough, etc. In order to assess its biological potential, the leaves of the plant were collected and subjected to methanol extraction followed by fractionating into petroleum ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform and aqueous soluble materials. Primary free radical scavenging power of the extractives was evaluated using the radicals generated by DPPH and H2O2. Methanol crude extract as well as aqueous and chloroform fractions showed noticeable radical scavenging potential. Besides, these extracts had higher level of phenolics. The membrane stabilizing potential of the extractives was estimated based on the prevention of hemolysis of RBC prompted by hypotonic solution as well as heat. The aqueous fraction showed the highest level of membrane stabilizing potential indicating its primary anti-inflammatory ability. The extractives were also subjected to thrombolytic study. Mild thrombolytic ability was displayed by them compared to the standard. Further studies are required to explore bioactive compounds. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 24(2): 99-104, 2021

Validation of Analytical Method of Quisqualic Acid for Standardization of Quisqualis indica Extract Powder (HU033)

Validation of Analytical Method of Quisqualic Acid for Standardization of <i>Quisqualis indica</i> Extract Powder (HU033)

Pharmacognostic Properties of Quisqualis indica Linn: Against Human Pathogenic Microorganisms: An Insight Review

India has a large repository of medicinal plants that are used in traditional medical treatments. Several medicinal plants are useful for treating common ailments and some of the plants include Amla (Emblica cinalis), Ashoka (Saraca asoca), Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Sarpa Gandha (Rauwolfia serpentina), Sandalwood (Santalum album), Indian birthwort (Aristolochia indica L.), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Neem (Azardirchata indica), Vringraj (Eclipta alba), Grhit kumara (Aloe vera), Harida (Terminalia chebula) and Madhumalati (Quisqualis indica), Catnip (Nepeta cataria), Cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), Sage (Salvia officinalis); etc. Quisquails indica commonly known as the Madhu Malati, is a vine with red flower clusters and is found in abundance in India. It shows a wide range of remarkable medicinal properties. Over the last two decades, large scale research has been conducted to identify bio-active constituents of Quisqualis indica therapeutic prospects. This review summarizes the pharmacognostic properties of Quisqualis indica Linn. Against human pathogenic microorganisms. Several authors have reviewed the medicinal properties of Quisqualis indica Linn.but our review summarizes the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-pyretic, anti-helminthic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and immuno-modulatory properties. It would be useful to students, academicians, microbiologists, as it reduces the need for detailed searching. It serves the purpose of quick reference.

An ethnoveterinary study on medicinal plants used by the Buyi people in Southwest Guizhou, China

BackgroundThe Buyi (Bouyei) people in Qianxinan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Southwest Guizhou, China, have used medicinal plants and traditional remedies for ethnoveterinary practices, such as treating domestic animals during livestock breeding, since ancient times. However, the unique ethnoveterinary practices of the Buyi have rarely been recorded. This study aimed to identify the plants used in their traditional ethnoveterinary practices, and to propose suggestions for future conservation and sustainable use of this knowledge.MethodsEthnobotanical fieldwork was conducted in 19 villages/townships in Qianxinan Prefecture between 2017 and 2018. Data were collected from the local Buyi people through semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. The informant consensus factor (FIC) and use reports (URs) were utilized to evaluate the consent of the current ethnoveterinary practices among the local communities, and 83 informants were interviewed during the field investigations. Plant samples and voucher specimens were collected for taxonomic identification.ResultsA total of 122 plant species, belonging to 60 families and 114 genera, were recorded as being used in ethnoveterinary practices by the Buyi people. The most used ethnoveterinary medicinal plant (EMP) parts included the roots, whole plant, and bulb, and the most common preparation methods included decoction, crushing, and boiling. Some EMPs, such as Quisqualis indica and Paris polyphylla, have special preparation methods. The informant consensus factor (FIC) and use reports (URs) of the EMP species were analyzed. Twenty EMP species with the highest URs were noted as having particular importance in the daily lives of Buyi people in Qianxinan Prefecture.ConclusionIn this study, we identified traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge of the medicinal plants among the Buyi communities in Qianxinan Prefecture. This knowledge has previously been limited to local vets, herders, and aged community members. Plants with important medicinal uses need to be validated phytochemically and pharmacologically in the future, to develop new alternative drugs for veterinary purposes.

On the systematic implication of foliar epidermal micro-morphological and venational characters: diversities in some selected Nigerian species of Combretaceae

Foliar epidermal micro-morphology and venation patterns of eleven species representing four genera in the family Combretaceae revealed stable foliar anatomical characters that are diagnostic and are important in separating the taxa. Distinguishing characters of taxonomic significance in the cells and tissues structures of the species include epidermal cell shape, stomata type, stomata frequency, stomata index, trichome micro-morphology and frequency, areolation shape, vein micro-morphology as well as distribution of druses within areoles. Numerous epidermal striations on the abaxial surface of lamina are diagnostic for Combretum zenkeri while C. platypterum is distinctly separated from other taxa by the possession of staurocytic stomata in addition to the prominent a nomocytic and/oranisocytic stomata. The simple unicellular non-glandular trichomes in the genus Combretum indicate a generic attribute classificatory for members of the genus. Druses within the areoles classify C. platypterum, Terminalia catappa, T. superba and Quisqualis indica within and across the genera studied. This study which is in line with most previous studies revealed that characters of epidermal micromorphology andvenation patterns are important in the identification and separation of the taxa discussed, and that the placement of the species in each of their respective genus should be maintained.