Epidermal and Phytochemical Studies in Some Species of the Family Bombaceae in Nigeria

Abstract

Leaf anatomy and phytochemical investigation of some taxa of the family Bombaceae commonly used in traditional medicine in Nigeriawere studied.  The taxa studied were Adansonia digitata, Bombax bounopozense and Ceiba pentandra.  Epidermal cells of the members investigated are either isodiametric or polygonal with straight, arcuate or wavy anticlinal walls. Cuticular striations are absent in C. pentandra.  The cells varied in size and thickness both within and among taxa. The stomata distribution is hypostomatic with anisocytic type of stomata in all except B. bounopozense where anomocytic type also occur occasionally. Phytochemical analysis of the taxa reveals the presence of the secondary metabolites viz: tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates and saponins.