Histological observation of Gelam (Melaleucacajuputi Powell) in different ecosystems of Terengganu

摘要

A histological and anatomical comparative analysis of Gelam,Melaleuca cajuputi Powell was conducted to determine the adaptability Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell, Family = Myrtaceae) in two different microecosystems of Terengganu. The sites sampling chosen were Jambu Bongkok Amenity Forest (Formerly known as Rantau Abang Amenity Forest), a large swamp forests and prominent flooding site in the District of Marang, Terengganu and Taman Penyelidikan Alam, Bukit Kor - a hard top soil area of Marang, Terengganu. The objective of this study is to compare the anatomy and histology features of gelam in these two areas. Results show that gelam from both ecosystems exhibits morphological differences and variations in some tissues (in leaf, petiole, bark, and root anatomy such as in type of epicuticular waxes, bark anatomy, leaf anatomy, vascular bundle, bark fibre pits, vessel, phloem, xylem, cortex, epidermal cells and mesophyll cells). This initial observation may suggest that gelam can adapt well in different micro-ecosystems of Terengganu. Its ability to response well toward Terengganu's different climates and coastal environmental changes could make gelam a viable tree for conservation and landscape program.