Morphological and anatomical investigations into the mechanism of leaf pair unrolling in Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. Ex Dc. (papilionaceae), a medicinal plant in Nigeria
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Date
2013
Authors
Oyesiku, O. O.
Okusanya, O. T.
Olowokudejo, J. D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Traditional Herbal Medicine Supporters Initiative
Abstract
Uraria picta leaf-pair unrolling inside out is a remarkable feat. A leaf-pair was investigated to understand the
mechanism of spontaneous reverse inside out act of the plant. The upper (adaxial) and lower (abaxial) surfaces of the
leaf-pair were examined using scanning and light microscopy. The scan showed diversity of hairs varying in shape
from straight, pointed, curve, and club to hook. There were deposits of wax on both sides of the leaf-pair. The light
microscope showed hairs are restricted to the midrib on the adaxial surface of the leaflets. Hooked hairs dominated
the entire abaxial surface of the leaflets. The transverse section of the midrib section showed abundance of structural
and mechanical tissues, collenchyma and sclerenchyma tissues. Both morphological and anatomical attributes were
used to explain the mechanism and how the plant got its Yoruba vernacular name ‘Alupayida’ as well as its purported
use in changing the sex of the unborn child and in breaking up love affairs.
Description
Keywords
Leaves , Mechanism , Collenchyma , Collenchyma , Trichomes , Uraria picta , Wax
Citation
Oyesiku, O. O., Okusanya, O. T. and Olowokudejo, J. D. (2013). Morphological and anatomical investigations into the mechanism of leaf pair unrolling in Uraria picta (Jacq.) Desv. Ex Dc. (papilionaceae), a medicinal plant in Nigeria. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary Alternative Medicine 10(3):144-150