Stomata in Hippobromus (Sapindaceae)

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Hippobromus pauciflorus Radlk. Família: Sapindaceae Distribuição: Nativa da África do Sul Observações: Uma árvore de pequeno porte

The study on foliar micromorphology of Hippobromus pauciflorus using Scanning Electron Microscope.

by Pendota S. C., Grierson D. S., Afolayan A. J. (2008)

in Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 11: 1872-1874. – ISSN: 2333-9721 – 

http://www.oalib.com/paper/2100907

Abstract:

Foliar micromorphology of Hippobromus pauciflorus (L.f.) Radlk (Sapindaceae) was investigated by scanning electron microscope examination.

The leaves were characterized by anisocytic stomata which were found only on the abaxial surface.

The leaves have long unicellular non-glandular trichomes which were distributed over the mid rib and densely populated at the edges of the upper and lower surfaces. Crystal deposits were also observed on the abaxial surface of the leaves. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy SEM of the crystals showed predominant mineral components of Na, Al, Si, K and Ca ions. These micro (Si, Na and Al) and macro (K and Ca) elements are very essential to plant growth. Their presence in the trichomes could contribute to the mechanical stability of the leaf appendages.

Stomata in Felicia (Asteraceae)

 

Foliar micromorphology of Felicia muricata Thunb., A South African Medicinal Plant.

by Ashafa A. O. T., Grierson D. S., Afolayan A. J. (2008)

in Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 11: 1713-1717. –

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18819624

Abstract

The foliar micromorphology of Felicia muricata (Thunb.) Nees (Asteraceae) was observed with the JEOL (JSM-6390LV) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces were characterized by anisocytic stomata which were more prevalent on the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface.

The leaves have only one type of multicellular non-glandular trichomes that are long and cylindrical, tapering to a sharp point and running parallel to the leaf surface in the direction of the apices.

Crystal deposits were also observed on the surfaces of the leaves near the stomata. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy-SEM shows that Na, Al, Si, and K were the major constituents of the crystal analyzed.

Since no glandular trichomes were present on the leaves of this herb, the bioactive components present in this plant may be produced in some other tissues in the leaf other than the trichomes.

Stomata in Gasteria (monocots)

 

Foliar micro-morphology of Gasteria bicolor Haw. (Asphodelaceae) from South Africa

by Otang W. M., Grierson D. S., Ndip R. (2014)

in African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, Vol. 11, No. 4, 2014, pp. 71-76

Abstract

Background: The succulent genus Gasteria, which comprises 16 species, is endemic to South Africa and has its main centre of distribution in the Savanna Region of the Eastern Cape. Whereas G. bicolor has been investigated phytochemically and pharmacologically, not much data concerning the anatomical and micro-morphological features can be found in literature.

Materials and Methods: This study was undertaken, using light and scanning electron microscopy to obtain information on the micro-morphological features of this important medicinal plant to facilitate its identification and authentication. The elemental composition of the leaf was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS).

Results: The epidermal cells are either hexagonal or pentagonal in form, and are compactly arranged with undulate anti-clinal cell walls. The epidermal cell width was approximately 50 μm. Stomata apertures are elliptical and the upper epidermis of the leaf has paracytic stomata which are slightly raised above the epidermal surface with 4 to 5 subsidiary cells surrounding each stoma. Based on the EDXS microanalysis, the mineral crystals present at the level of the mesophyll of G. bicolor were probably mixtures of calcium oxalate, calcium sulphate and silica.

Conclusion: The co-occurrence of aluminum suggests the potential role of the crystals in detoxification of aluminum and heavy metals, as reported previously.

See the text: Biolline Int.