Morphological and anatomical studies on Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze (Taccaceae) in Nigeria

Abstract

Tacca leontopetaloides is the only species in the genus Tacca naturally distributed in the Guinea savannah and dry rainforest regions in Nigeria. The study was conducted to contribute to scientific knowledge on the macro-morphological and anatomical features of the plant collected from 4 locations (Akoko, Eruwa, Bazza and Ile-Ife) across the Nigeria and to determine the effect of environmental factors on its anatomy. Leaf epidermal peel of the 4 samples, leaf and stem Transverse Sections (T.S) and stem Tangential Longitudinal Section (T.L.S) and Radial Longitudinal Section (R.L.S) as well as stem fibres were prepared and studied. A wide range of similarities and differences were noted in the anatomical features of the 4 samples studied. The similarities include, but not limited to stomata being anomocytic, epidermis hypostomatic, cuticle single-layered and striated, vascular bundles conjointed collateral, epidermis undulating, stem rays uniserrate and procumbent, stem fibres non-septate and non-storeyed. Wide range of variations are noted in stomata density and measurements, epidermal cell density, guard cell measurements, cuticle thickness, vascular bundle arrangement, shapes of parenchyma and sclerenchyma cells and many other anatomical features. The variations observed among the samples studies were attributed to the prevailing environmental factors in each collection site.

Morphological and anatomical studies on Tacca leontopetaloides (L.) Kuntze (Taccaceae) in Nigeria