Foliar anatomical study of Thaumatococcus daniellii (Benth.) Benth. and Megaphrynium macrostachyum (Benth) Milne-Redh. in Ile-Ife and Osogbo environs, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Foliar, petiole and stem anatomical characters of Thaumatococcus daniellii and Megaphrynium macrostachyum in Ile-Ife and Osogbo, environs, Osun State in Nigeria are reported. The aim is to determine the macro and micro-characters that could facilitate their identification and classification. It is envisaged that this will further enhance the conservation of the two species and prevent them from extinction. Transverse sections of the leaf, petiole and stem were undertaken using Reichert Sledge Microtome (RSM) and observations were made using Light Microscope (LM). Diagnostic characters employable for their delimitation are their habits, stomata type, length and width of stomata, length and width of epidermal cells, anticlinal walls and stomata index on the abaxial surfaces. Others are air spaces, presence of tannins and sand crystals, abundance of sclerenchyma cells and thick cuticle in M. macrostachyum, presence of crystals of calcium oxalate and carbonate in M. macrostachyum. However, intergeneric characters between the two genera were also reported. Over all, additional diagnostic characters which have not been used for the delimitation of the two species have been reported. All these are envisaged to remove the confusion in their taxonomy and aid their conservation even when only sterile samples are available.

© 2017 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Leaf, petiole, stem, anatomy, diagnostic, conservation