Microscopical Investigation of Three Datura Species

Background/Objectives: Most of the species of Datura imposes a wide lacuna in our knowledge especially for proper identification and pharmacognostical studies. Anatomical structure is most likely to provide evidence concerning the interrelationships of families or in establishing the real affinities of species of uncertain taxonomic status.

Methods/Statistical Analysis: The wood anatomical characters and certain ‘anomalous’ or uncommon structures of the axis have been extensively employed by the systematic anatomists for drawing conclusion with reference to systematic position and phylogeny of plant taxa. Apart from anatomical and trichome studies, palynological investigation is also to be attempted. This will give additional information both for diagnosis of the plants and for conformation their taxonomic position.

Findings: In Datura species epidermal trichomes have been cited as one of the criteria for distinguishing the species. The cross sectional outline of young stem differs significantly in the species studied. The cross section shape is circular and densely pubescent in Datura innoxia, angular in Datura fastuosa. The secondary xylems of ischolar_mains are uniformly dense with wide cylinder of libriform fibres and vessels. The vessels of the ischolar_main are wider than those of the stem. The ischolar_mains of Datura species deviate in their secondary xylem features from the rest of the taxa. These cross sectional configurations are easy access for identification of fragmentary stem materials.

Application/Improvements: An attempt will be made to prepare an artificial dichotomous taxonomic key involving anatomical and palynological data obtained during the present investigations.