Foliar micro-morphology of <i>Gasteria bicolour</i> haw. (Asphodelaceae) from South Africa

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 phyto-chemically 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.

Taxonomic Implications of Leaf Micromorphology Using Microscopic Analysis: A Tool for Identification and Authentication of Korean Piperales

“…Micromorphological characteristics of leaves have been applied in systematic studies for different taxonomic groups such as bryophytes [3,4], ferns [5][6][7], gymnosperms [8][9][10][11], and angiosperms [12][13][14][15]. Recently, leaf micromorphology using microscopic analysis has also been used to facilitate accurate authentication and quality control of medicinal plants [16][17][18][19][20][21]. Although leaf micromorphological characteristics are commonly used in the identification and authentication of plants, no comprehensive studies have investigated the leaf micromorphology of the order Piperales, which contains many important medicinal herbs.…”

Ultrastructure and energy dispersive spectroscopy-based elemental analysis of the fruit exocarps of Musa sinensis L. (Banana) and Musa paradisiaca L. (Plantain) (Musaceae)

“…Based on the high carbon peaks in the elemental spectra of M. sinensis and M. paradisiaca exocarps, indications are linked towards the possible constitution of calcium oxalate and calcium sulphate (Otang et al, 2014) which are one of the most abundantly formed minerals in plants (Franceschi and Nakata, 2005).…”

Micromorphological Studies of the Loranthaceae,Phragmanthera capitata(Sprengel) Balle

“…It is assumed that crystal deposits on leaf could give it antiherbivory characteristics and that these crystals are usually secreted as a defence mechanism by trichomes on the leaf surface of most plant species [9]. Crystals are also believed to play roles in cellular ion balance and tissue rigidity and support and in detoxification of harmful metals [15].…”