Stomata in Dichapetalum

Fig. 2: Abaxial side of a Dichapetalum cymosum leaf showing the epidermis with stomata, spongiform parenchyma and a secondary vein.  

Microscopic morphology of Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook.) Engl. as an aid in the identification of leaf fragments from the digestive tract of poisoned animals

by van der Merwe D., du Plesis L. (2006)

• Deon van der Merwe, L. du Plessis,

In Journal of the South African Veterinary Association 77(4):197-201 – DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v77i4.377 –

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6371509_Microscopic_morphology_of_Dichapetalum_cymosum_Hook_Engl_as_an_aid_in_the_identification_of_leaf_fragments_from_the_digestive_tract_of_poisoned_animals

Fig. 1: Stomatal structure in the abaxial epidermis of a Dichapetalum cymosum leaf. 

Abstract

Dichapetalum cymosum (Hook.) Engl. (Poison leaf; gifblaar) is a major cause of acute livestock plant poisoning in southern Africa.

Microscopic identification of leaf fragments found in the digestive tract of poisoned animals can assist in the diagnosis of poisoning when D. cymosum poisoning is suspected.

The microscopic morphology of D. cymosum leaves are described using standard staining and microscopy methods for histopathology samples at many regional diagnostic laboratories.

Morphological descriptions included structures in the epidermis and mesophyll that were discernible using H & E staining. The microscopic morphology of D. cymosum was used to differentiate between leaf fragments of D. cymosum and other species from the same habitat with macroscopic features that resemble those of D. cymosum, including Euclea crispa, Combretum zeyheri, Burkea afrikana and Lannea discolor.