MORPHOLOGICAL AND MICROSCOPIC ANALYSIS OF THE WHOLE PLANT OF Trichodesma indicum (Boraginaceae)

This study was conducted to determine the detailed morphological and anatomical characters of the whole plant of Trichodesma indicum. The morphological and anatomical study was carried out using standard techniques for all parts such as stem, leaf, flower, fruit, seed, root and also powder microscopy was performed. The transverse section of the leaf reveals the presence of epidermal trichomes and midrib. Both adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the midrib is single-layered and have collateral vascular bundles. The single-layered upper epidermis of the lamina is covered with a thick cuticle. The lower epidermal cells contain anisocytic stomata and unicellular, unbranched trichomes. The transverse section of the young stem shows continuous primary xylem and phloem whereas old stem shows continuous secondary phloem and xylem. The microscopy of the flower shows the presence of sepals which has outer and inner epidermis with inner spongy and outer palisade cells. The petals have inner and outer epidermal cells with intermediate mesophyll tissue. The stamen consists of thin wall anther with spiral annular thickenings. The gynoecium comprises of thick conical ovary lengthy style and small stigma. The ovary consists of outer and inner epidermal layers and middle parenchymatous ground tissue. The fruit consists of inner sclerenchymatous endocarp and outer parenchymatous epicarp. The longitudinal and transverse section of the seed reveals the hard testa which comprises outer sclera testa and inner sacro testa. The transverse section of the root consists of single-layered epidermis and parenchyma and followed by the parenchymatous cortex. The powder microscopy of the stem shows trichomes, thick-walled fibers, and vessels. This study as extensive research on morphology and anatomy of stem, leaf, root, flower, fruit, seed and powder microscopy is helpful for the researchers to differentiate with other plants and further to take up the research for this traditionally valuable herb.