Anatomical studies of selected tree species of the Moraceae family grown in Nigeria

Abstract

The internode, bark and wood anatomy of seven tree species of the Family Moraceae, grown in Nigeria were studied to determine their characteristic tissue distribution and unique ergastic substances which could be of immense value in taxonomic work as well as of great economic and medicinal values. Direct microscopic observation of temporary mounts and photomicrographs of permanent mounts of thin microtome sections showed that the internodes did not exhibit anomalous tissue distribution features. Ergastic substances observed in the ground tissues and bark include needle-like, rhomboidal and star-shaped crystals, amorphous organic deposits and starch grains. The wood anatomy showed diffuse-porousness, paratracheal axial parenchyma distribution, non-storeyed structure and rays were heterocellular and predominantly multiseriate. The diagnostic and phyllogenetic implications of the results are discussed.

Keywords: anatomy, moraceae, ergastic substances, phyllogenetic, taxonomy

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, Vol. 7 No. 1 (2010)