Micro-Morphological and Proximate Analysis of Sour Sop (Annona muricata L. of Annonaceae) Harvested from a Tertiary Institution Campus in the Niger Delta Region Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigated the micro-morphological and proximate analysis of sour sop (Annona muricata L. of Annonaceae), harvested from a tertiary institution campus in the Niger Delta Region. It is a perennial small tree commonly known as sour sop. Plant sample was collected fresh within the University of Port Harcourt Campus, (4⁰53¹30.12¹¹North, and 6⁰55¹39.6¹¹East). The proximate analysis was done following the methods of AOAC Official methods of Analysis. The result revealed that A. muricata is glabrous and reach up to 8 ± 1 m tall. The petiolate foliar organs are simple, oblong, having acuminate apex, acute base with parted margins, pinnately veined and opposite in phyllotaxy; measuring up to 12.5 ± 4.5 cm in length and 4.6 ± 1.38 cm in width. The fruit is oval berry containing whitish pulp embellished with black shiny seeds, and spinous greenish fruit cover. The foliar epidermal study revealed presence of polygonal cells, trichomes and paracytic stomata which are amphistomatic. The proximate study showcased the following compositions: 9.27 ± 1.0 Carbohydrate (%); 5.38 ± 1.00 Protein (%); 2.00 ± 0.90 Lipid (%); 85.84 ± 1.74 Moisture (%) content; 0.58 ± 0.11 Fiber (%) and 0.89 ± 0.01 Ash (%). These information would assist for further delimitation of the species.