Microscopical evaluation of leaf of Maytenus emarginata.

ABSTRACT

Microscopical investigation was carried out on leaves of Maytenus emarginata (Willd.) Ding Hou belongs to family celastraceae, is an evergreen tree that tolerates various types of stresses of the desert, locally known as “Kankero” in Hindi, “Thorny staff tree” in English. Literature survey revealed that not much work has been done on this plant, especially on leaves. So we have taken its detailed microscopical studies to prove its appropriate identification. Microscopical study provide information that the lamina is dorsiventaral and 380µm thick. The Lamina is amphistomatic, the stomata being distributed both on the adaxial and abaxial sides. Calcium oxalate crystals of druses are fairly abundant in the mesophyll tissue. The stomata are cyclocytic type. The venation is densely reticulate. The terminations are either simple or more commonly forked into deuse clusters. Powder Microscopy show that the sclereids are fiber like in shape and size. The sclereids are 500 µm long and 30 µm thick. Long or short, cylindrical mesophyll cells are common with powder. They have dense tannin contents. The cells have thin wall and the cells are up to 200 µm long and 60 µm wide. Calciumoxlate druses are quite abundant in the power. They are spherical bodies with spiny surface. The druses are 30 µm in diameters. The above studies provide useful information in regard to its correct identity, evaluation and help to differentiate from the closely related other species of Maytenus Emarginata (Willd.)Ding Hou