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Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Some Monocot Xerophytes of District

Karak, Pakistan

Article  in  Middle East Journal of Scientific Research · January 2014

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Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research 22 (6): 843-850, 2014
ISSN 1990-9233
© IDOSI Publications, 2014
DOI: 10.5829/idosi.mejsr.2014.22.06.12478

Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Some Monocot

Xerophytes of District Karak, Pakistan
1
Hameeda Bibi, 1Muhammad Afzal, 2Asim Muhammad, 3Mustafa Kamal,
1
Ihsan ullah, 1Sohail, 1Inayat Ur Rahman and 1Ali Asghar

Department of Botany Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan

1

2
Department of Botany University of Science and Technology, Bannu, Pakistan
3
Department of Botany Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan

Abstract: The present article is comprised of morphology and anatomy of the some selected xerophytes
(monocot) of district Karak. 5 monocot plant species belonging to 3 families,were collected during the survey.
Morphologically, the characters of leaves, stems, roots, fruits and seeds were observed. The family Poaceae
was dominant followed by the Polygonaceae and Xanthorrhoeaceae. Similarly, the plant Eragrostis curvula
(Poaceae)was dominant followed by Calligonum polygonoides (Polygonaceae) and Asphodelus tenuifolius
(Xanthorrhoeaceae). The plants were found to be well adapted to the environment of district Karak. The
morphological adaptations were presence of dense hair, powder and cuticle layer on leaves and stem. The
leaves were found to be leathery, needle like and elongated. Sometimes, the leaves were found to be modified
into thorns and spines. Similarly, thick and short rhizome, sunken stomata, compact epidermis, wide cortex and
many water storing tissues were observed during this study. During the study, it was also reported that
xerophytes have numerous cortical cells to store large amount of water, as to compensate the harsh and dry
environment. It was concluded that the studied plant species of district Karak were well adapted in the extreme
environment.

Key words: Xerophytes Morphology Anatomy 5 monocot species Karak Pakistan

INTRODUCTION long tape roots which can develop tens of meters along
roots. Such tape roots reach the deep layers of soil where
0Morphological and Anatomical studies are water is permanently present. Szarek et al. (1973) [5]
concerned with the external and internal structure of explained that drought stems are often the primary
plants. It is a source of fascination for correct photosynthetic organs in desert species. Stem of some
identification of plant taxa. Xerophytes are the plants xerophytes is modified to leaf like, flattened and fleshy
which are able to survive in an environment with a limited structures, which are called phylloclades. Comus and
supply of water as compared to hydrophytes and Phillips (2009) [1] discussed that in some xerophytes, a
mesophytes. Phillips and Comus and Philips (2009) [1] number of axillary branches become modified into small
stated that xerophytes might be adapted shapes and needle like green structures which look like leaves and
forms (morphology) or internal functions (physiology) are called cladodes. Xerophytes show high stomata
that reduce their water loss or store water during long resistance, to reduce water loss. Hameed et al. (2008) [6]
periods of dryness. Plants with such adaptations are found variation in types of stomata, stomatal frequency,
called xeromorph (Parolin (2009) [2]. Islam et al. (2008) [3] stomatal density and stomatal index among different
reported differences in anther types of Dicots within Flora species of family. The flowers of xerophytes usually
of Karachi. McCleary (1968) [4] discussed that, develop in favourable conditions and they complete their
xerophytes have many lateral roots accompanied by very reproduction in very short period of time. Fruits and seeds

Corresponding Author: Sohail, Department of Botany Hazara University, Mansehra, Pakistan.

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are protected by very hard coverings and they can remain During the survey in May-June 2011, the important
dormant for a long period of time. Islam et al. (2008) [7] xerophytes (monocot) were collected and identified.
studied different types of anther in dicots, which included
Alhagi maurorum. Anatomically, xerophytic epidermal Sampling and Collection of Plant Specimens: During the
cells are small compact with thick cuticle of single layer. collection, xerophytes from the area were folded in news
Wax, tannin, resin, cellulose etc. are deposited on the papers and then put into plastic bags. Two samples of
surface of epidermis. It is a protective measure against each plant of 05 xerophytes were collected.
high intensity of light. Wahid (2003) [8] discussed some
physiological adaptation that in case of reduced leaves, Drying and Preservation of Plant Specimens: The
the photosynthetic activity is taken up by outer xerophytic plants were properly sprayed with mercuric
chlorenchymatous cortex.The mesophyll cells is very chloride, CuSo4 and spirit to protect them from the
compact and intracellular spaces are reduced.. Nazir et al. decomposition. After complete dryness and poisoning, all
(2013) [9] studied the epidermal layers as an aid to the the plants were mounted on standard herbarium sheets
identification of grasses of tribe Andropogoneae with proper taxonomical identification as Gostin (2011)
(Poaceae) from Potohar region of Pakistan. It proves that [10].
anatomical study is valuable for identification of the
plants and their ontogeny. Gostin (2011) [10] reported Taxonomical Studies: The proper identification and
that, the vegetative organs of Ranunculaceae show some taxonomy of each and every xerophyte was carried out
xerophytic charactures in their morphological and with the help of available literature (Jafri, 1966; Qureshi
anatomical structures. Smilarly Dawar et al. (2010) [11] and Khan, 1972) [13-14]. The identification was confirmed
reported the morphology of Daturaalba and stated that and authenticated by Mr. Abd- ur-Rehman, Professor of
it is an annual and bushy herb. This study might be Botany, Govt Post Graduate College Bannu and Dr. Jan
helpful for the future research. Effect of different stresses Alam, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Hazara
should be studied upon the internal structure of these University, Mansehra.
plants as Hameed et al. (2012) [12] discussed five sedge
species (Bulboschoenus affinis, Cyperus alternifolia, C. Morphological Studies: The general morphological
conglumeratus, Fimbristylis dichotoma and descriptions of the characters like habit, root, stem, leaves
Schoenoplectus litoralis), to investigate the leaf and flowers were done according to method of Gostin
anatomical modifications to withstand environmental (2011) [10]. Fresh material of the collected xerophytes was
stresses. Morphological and anatomical data are easily recorded along with their photographs.
applied to improving classification and can often be used
in making identification. Karak is dry and rainfed area but Anatomical Studies: Study of the anatomy and histology
having very diverse flora. Many authors have studied the of the collected species through preparing the safranine
plants in different ways but no one reported attention stained slides of transverse sections of leaves, stem and
towards the morphological and anatomical studies which roots of the collected plants were managed. T.S of leaves,
were the basic Botany. It was important to determine that stem and roots were examined under power microscope.
how these plants tolerate the dry environment and Microphotographs of the prepared sections were made by
adapt themselves accordingly. Therefore it was the first using digital camera.
attempt to explore such type of plants adaptation in
Karak. RESULTS

MATERIALS AND METHODS The plants of district Karak were collected, identified
and studied for their morphological and anatomical
Karak is the district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, features. The detailed description is given below:
Pakistan, at an altitude of 70.40°-70.30°N and the
longitude of 32.48°-33.23°E. It is situated at 340m above Botanical Name: Asphodelus tenuifolius
the sea level. The district Karrak is 123 km from the
provincial capital, Peshawar (Khan et al. 2012). Voucher Number: 3613

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Local Name: Piozakaye. Morphology

Habit: A small shrub, found in sandy areas (Fig. 2). It is an
Distribution: Common throughout the area. endangered plant species and has been included in Red
Data Book of IUCN.
Morphology
Habit: Herb (Fig.1). Leaves: Simple, needle like and stipulate.

Leaf: Simple, radical, sheathing at the base, long and Stem: Stem and branches, conspicuously jointed having
mucilaginous. nodes and internodes.

Stem: Reduced, condensed and underground. Roots: Tape roots, deep and branched.

Roots: Adventitious and fibrous. Inflorescence: Spike.

Inflorescence: Recemose. Flower: Small, regular, white and bisexual. Fruit, oblong
nut.Seeds rounded and small.
Flower: White, regular, hermaphrodite and
actinomorphic. Fruit, rounded capsule. Seeds rounded Anatomical Description: Transverse sections of leaf stem
and small. and root of Calligonum polygonoides showed the
following features.
Anatomical Description: The transverse sections of leaf,
stem and root showed the following anatomical Leaf: Outermost layer of cells is epidermis, below
features. which paranchymatous mesophyll tissues are
found. Vascular bundles clear, showing star like
Leaf: Cuticle layer around the epidermis. Next to the apearance. In the center, water storing tissues
epidermis, a large parenchymatous cell. Large number of (Fig 4).
scattered vascular bundles present in the central zone
showing the monocotyledonous character of the plant Stem: A cuticle layer around the epidermis. Beneath the
(Fig. 1). epidermis, parenchymatous ground tissue. Pericycle
separating the cortex from the vascular region and pith
Stem: Epidermis composed of compactly arranged cells. (Fig. 5).
Next to the epidermis, a large parenchymatous cortex.
Large number of scattered vascular bundles, present in Roots: Thick epidermis enclosing the cortex. Cortex
the central zone (Fig. 2). comprised of dense parenchymatous cells. The cortical
parenchyma store large quantity of water. Protoxylems
Roots: Thick epidermis present. Vascular bundles radially and metaxylems, clear (Fig.6).
arranged. Wide parenchymatous cortex which retains
moisture (Fig.3). Botanical Name: Eragrostis curvula

Botanical Name: Calligonum polygonoides Vaucher Number: 3620

Local Name: Sargara.
Voucher Number: 3614
Distribution: Ahmad Abad, AmberiKela, TakhteNusrati,
Local Name: Balanza Bogara, Hamidan Banda, Sabir Abad, Mita Khel, Soor
Dag, Latamber.
Distribution: Ahmad Abad, Chukara, Musakan,
Hamidan Banda, Bahadur Khel, Mita Khel, Sabir Abad, Morphology
Banda Daud Shah, Soor Dag and Latamber. Habit: Herb (Fig. 3).

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 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 22 (6): 843-850, 2014

List of Morphological Figures:

Fig. 1: Fig. 2: Fig. 3:

Fig. 1: Asphodelustenuifolius Fig. 2: Calligonum polygonoides Fig. 3: Eragrostiscurvula

Fig. 4: Fig. 5:

Fig. 4: Kochiaindica Fig. 5: Heteropogancontortus

List of Anatomical Figures:

Fig.1: T.S of leaf of Asphodelus tenuifolius Fig.2: T.S of leaf of A. tenuifolius Fig.3: T.S of leaf of A.tenuifolius

Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

Fig. 4: T.S of leaf of C.polygonoides Fig. 5: T.S of stem of C.polygonoides Fig. 6: T.S of root of C.polygonoides

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 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 22 (6): 843-850, 2014

Leaf: Leaves long, sessile and simple. Leaf bases, Inflorescence: Spike.
sheathed. Lamina, narrow.
Flower: Regular, bisexual, zygomorphic and brown in
Stem: Underground corm. colour. Fruit shizocarp. Seeds, small and flat.

Roots: Fibr9us and adventitious. Anatomical Description: Transverse sections of leaf,

stem and roots show the following anatomical features.
Inflorescence: Compound of several spikelets.
Leaf: Outer layer epidermis, below paranchymatous
Flower: Flowers incomplete, bisexual and mesophyll tissues. Vascular bundles in rings.Arround the
zygomorphic. Colour, creamy.Fruit, drup.Seeds, small and vascular tissues, bundle sheathed cells (Fig. 10).
rounded.
Stem: A cuticle layer around the epidermis. Beneath the
Anatomical Description: Transverse sections of leaf,
epidermis, parenchymatous ground tissue.Vascular
stem and roots showed the following features.
bundles in the form of rings (Fig. 11).
Leaf: Transevers section of leaf showed the various
Roots: Epidermal layer around the cortex. Extra thick
internal tissues. The first row of cells is epidermis,
epiderms water retention and conservation tissues in the collenchymatous cortical layers of rounded cells with the
center. Photosynthetic mesophyll tissues, below the ability to store large amount of water. Endodermis and
epidermis (Fig. 7). pericycle, clearly developed. Vascular bundles at the
periphery of the small pith (Fig. 12).
Stem: A cuticle layer around the epidermis. Beneath the
epidermis, parenchymatous ground tissue. Endodermis Botanical Name: Heteropogan contortus
separating the ground tissue from the vascular
region.Vascular bundles, numerous (Fig. 8). Vaucher Number: 3622

Roots: Epidermis around the cortex.Cortical zone wide. Local Name: Sermal
Vascular tissues, radial.Pith, composed of ground tissue
(Fig. 9). Distribution: Bahadur Khel, Ahmad Abad, Hujaki, Sabir
Abad, Bogara, Babal Khel.
Botanical Name: Kochia indica
Morphology
Vaucher Number: 3623 Habit: Small, erect and perennialgrass (Fig. 5).

Local Name: Qurashka. Leaves: Leaves simple, sessile, sheath leaf bases,
alternate and narrow lamina.
Distribution: Ahmad Abad, Chukara, Musakan, Hamidan
Banda, Bahadur Khel, Mita Khel, Sabir Abad, Banda Daud
Stem: Cylindrical and herbaceous.
Shah, Soor Dag and Latamber.

Roots: Roots fibrous and adventitious.

Morphology
Habit: An annual bushy herb (Fig. 4).
Inflorescence Compund spike.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, extipulate, longer, leaf bases Flower: Incomplete, bisexual and zygomorphic. Colour
sheathed and sessile. brown. Fruit small, droop.Seeds, very small and
rounded.
Stem: Herbaceous, green and much branched
Anatomical Description: Transverse sections of leaf stem
Roots: Tape roots, deep in the soil. and roots showed the following features.

847
 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 22 (6): 843-850, 2014

Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9

Fig. 7: T.S of leaf of E. curvula Fig. 8: T.S of stem of E.curvula Fig. 9: T.S of root of E.curvula

Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12

Fig. 10: T.S of leaf of Kochia indica Fig. 11: T.S of stem of Kochia indica Fig. 12: T.S of root of Kochia indica

Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15

Fig. 13: T.S of leaf of H. contortus Fig. 14: T.S of stem of H. contortus Fig. 15: T.S of root of H. contortus

Leaf: Thick cutical above the epidermis. The epidermis Roots: Epidermal layer consists of closely elongated
enclosing mesophyll region. Vascular bundles in the ring cells. Tick parenchymatous cortex with capacity to store
form. Rounded air spaces below the epidermis. Prominant profound amount of water. Protoxylems towards the
water storing tissues, the main property of xerophytes centre while metaxylems towards the cortex (Fig. 15).
(Fig. 13).
DISCUSSION
Stem: A cuticle layer around the epidermis. Beneath the
epidermis, parenchymatous cortex. Many vascular Asphodelustenuifolius was studied as small erect
bundles (Fig. 14). herb having adventitious and fibrous roots. Simple leaves

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 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 22 (6): 843-850, 2014

Systematic Classification of the plants.

Kingdom Division Class Order Family Genus Species Botanical name
Plantae Angiospermae Monocotyledoneae Asparagales Xanthorrhoeaceae Asphodelus tenuifolius A.tenuifolius
Plantae Angiospermae Monocotyledoneae Caryophyllales Polygonaceae Calligonum polygonoides C.polygonoides
Plantae Angiospermae Monocotyledoneae Cyperales Poaceae Eragrostis curvula E. curvula
Plantae Angiospermae Monocotyledoneae Chenopodeales Chenopodeceae Kochia indica K. indica
Plantae Angiospermae Monocotyledoneae Poales Poaceae Heteropogon contortus H. contortus

with rhizome stem, sheathing at the base and long, zygomorphic.Seeds, rough and flat. Cuticle found on leaf
mucilaginous. Inflorescence, recemose, flowers white, and stem with wide and loosely arranged cortex. Pith in
regular, hermaphrodite and actinomorphic. Seeds, centre, vascular tissues at periphery of pericycle. The
rounded. Cuticle on epidermis, wide parechymatus cortex, results of the present studies are agreement with Turki
vascular bundles in centre. The results of present studies et al. (2003) [17] who reported that vascular bundles are
are agreement with Samocha (2009) [15] who reported that at the same distance from the center and thick cuticle is
the A.tenuifolius has short rhizome and tubers around the present at the surface of epidermis. Colour of the stem,
roots. It remains dormant in the summer due to yellow and somewhat hard.
unfavorable conditions. The dormancy occurs due to The present study shows that the stem of the K.
unfavorable environmental condition. Vascular bundles indica is green, soft and herbaceous. The difference in
are scattered and air spaces are present. the stem colour and thickness might be due to soil
Calligonum polygonoides an endangered species in composition and fertility. The soil of the present study
IUCN Red Data Book.Small prostrate shrub with branched area is sandy and dry, with low nutrients than the
roots. Stem branched, jointed, nodes and internodes. aforesaid study area Eragrostiscurvula a herb, with
Leaves simple, reduced to scale. Inflorescence spike. fibrous and adventitious roots. Stem, corm.Leaves long,
Flowers small, white, regular, bisexual and seeds, rounded. narrow lamina, sessile and simple. Inflorescence
Thick epidermis, wide parenchymates cortex, pericycle in compound and spike. Flowers white, incomplete, bisexual
ring and radial vascular tissues. Al-Khalifah (2006) [16] and zygomorphic. Seeds, small and rounded.Cuticle layer
studied anatomy of the C. polygonoides. The planthas on epidermis and parenchymatous cortex. Endodermis
narrower vessels in wood, growth rings, the conducting found. Pericycle separating the cortex from the vascular
phloem is of narrow depth and higher specific mass of region. Pith composed of ground tissues.The results of
green photosynthetic shoots. All these modifications are present studies do not coincide with the work of Colom
perhaps due to intense drought. and Vazzana (2002) [18]. They stated that the E.curvula
Wahid (2005) [8] stated that the transverse has low palatability to water stress because of thin leaves,
section of leaf including stem and roots of C. small cortex and less number of vascular tissues. The
polygonoides show thick epidermis and very plant in the previous work is not palatable to stress
widespread cortex. Similarly, the endodermis is double because it was grown in non xeric environment, therefore
layered but thin from the epidermis.The results of present its morphology was more adapted.
study are agreement with Al-Khalifa et al (2006) [16] who
reported that the cortex in xerophytes is widespread. CONCLUSION
The present studies are different from Al-Khalifa et al.
(2006) [16] in leaf morphology who reported that C. The research revealed that people use these plant
polygonoides has reduced leaves, while, in the present species for various purposes as medicinal and non-
study, long needle like leaves were observed. The medicinal. The plants are well adapted to the environment
difference in leaves structure is might be due to where water is in scarcity and the area is rain fed. The
variation in temperature. Perhaps the temperature of the documented species have much developed cortex for
study area was high than the present study area, therefore water storage and developed vascular bundles. Some
the leaves are reduced in order to minimize the loss of have underground stem as A. tenuifolius and H.
water. contortus.It was concluded that the plants are drought
Kochia indica Wight, an annual bushy herb, with resistant therefore drought resistant gens should be
deep tape roots. Leaves alternate, simple, estipulate, identified and isolated in these plant species for breeding
sessile, longer and bases are sheething. Stem herbaceous. purposes in order to get drought resistant verities of
Inflorecese spike.Flowers brown, regular, bisexual and crops.

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 Middle-East J. Sci. Res., 22 (6): 843-850, 2014

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