Leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz (Acanthaceae) from Peninsular Malaysia

• Main Authors: Che Amri, Che Nurul Aini, Zakaria, Siti Maisarah, Shahari, Rozilawati
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2020
• Subjects: QK Botany
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/88800/2/Edited%20EBS31%20CHEAMRI%20%281%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/88800/8/PARALLELSESSIONSDETAILS.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/88800/9/EBS32.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/88800/

Acanthaceae family has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes especially amongst the native communities in Peninsular Malaysia. It is also known as one of the potential plant families that can be used to cure diseases. Nowadays, many taxonomists have difficulties during the identification of the Acanthaceae species due to its morphological similarities and also when there is an incomplete part of plants obtained from the field sampling. But until now, there is no comprehensive study that has been documented especially on the Acanthaceae family, specifically for R. nasutus. To avoid incorrect species identification, a systematic study that involved the leaf anatomy and micromorphology parts are being used for the identification and classification of plants in the Acanthaceae. Therefore, the main objective of this present study is to identify the leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics that can be used in plant identification and also for supportive data in plant classification. The leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies that are conducted on R. nasutus involve several procedures such as cross-section using a sliding microtome, and observation under a light microscope and scanning electron microscope. The anatomical and micromorphological characteristics observed include patterns of petiole and midrib vascular bundles, presence of cystolith cells in lamina, midrib and petiole, type of stomata (amphistomatic) and the presence of trichomes. In conclusion, results showed that anatomical and micromorphological characteristics have taxonomic significance that can be used in the identification and classification especially at the species level.