Morphological, Anatomical, and Palynological Studies of Lasianthera africana P. Beauv (Stemonuraceae) from some Parts of Southern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined Lasianthera africana P. Beauv based on, anatomical and palynological parameters. The anatomical studies were carried out with freehand sectioning. The species is hypostomatic, the epidermal cells are are irregular, with undulating anticlinal walls. The stomata types are anomocytic, and anisocytic. The midrib has bicollateral vascular bundles and the petiolar vascular bundle is arced with rib traces on both sides of the wings. Calcium oxalate and tannin occurred in the lamina, midrib, petiole and stem. The pollen grains are smooth, intectate, with thick exine, with tricolporate aperture, and with an equatorial diameter of 21.5-25.8 µm. These features are diagnostic and confirm the placement of this species in Stemonuraceae.