MICROMORPHOLOGY AND HISTOCHEMISTRY OF THE FOLIAR STRUCTURES OF Pycnostachys urticifolia (Hook.)

摘要

Pycnostachys urticifolia belongs to the family Lamiaceae (mint family), members of which are often aromatic and are used as traditional medicine or for culinary purposes. P. urticifolia is an evergreen shrub commonly known as "Hedgehog sage" and is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal. Similar species viz. P. abyssinica and P. eminii contained phytochemical compounds possessing anthelminthic properties that supported its use in traditional Ethiopian medicine. Leaves of the South African species P. reticulata possessed antimicrobial activity amongst other pharmacological applications. The biological composition of the secretory structures on the leaves of P. urticifolia is relatively unknown. Hence, studies aimed at identifying and characterizing potentially medicinal compounds in this species are necessary. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the foliar micromorphology and location of chemical compounds present in secretory structures. The objectives are to utilize stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to illuminate the types and distribution of foliar secretory structures. Light microscopy is used to view histochemical analyses that ascertain the location and chemical nature of compounds present in said structures.