Taxonomic Studies of Members of the Family Moraceae in Selected Areas of Benuestate, Nigeria Akesa , T.M.,Adedzwa, D.K., Anyam, R.W., Apeelu, S.T., Waya , J

GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017 68

GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017, Online: ISSN 2320-9186 www.globalscientificjournal.com

TAXONOMIC STUDIES OF MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY MORACEAE IN SELECTED AREAS OF BENUESTATE, NIGERIA AKESA , T.M.,ADEDZWA, D.K., ANYAM, R.W., APEELU, S.T., WAYA , J. I.,and Dughdugh, P.T.

Abstract A study was carried out to determine the taxonomic spread of the family Moraceae in selected areas of Benue State between May, 2012 and December, 2014. The selected areas are namely: Agan forest Reserve in Makurdi Local Government Area, Ikwe wildlife Resort in Gwer-east Local Government Area, and Leke Forest Reserve in Konshisha Local Government Area. Also, the taxonomic characters of the members of the family found were analysed to find out how these species are related to each other phylogenetically.. Flowering patterns such as flowering time, flowering frequency, and flowering duration, and other morphological characters were observed and noted forthnightly for one year. Chemical composition of the Moraceae plant species was determined by phytochemical screening using standard qualitative methods, while determination of chromosome number was carried out by root tip squashing technique. Cluster analysis was carried out using Euclidean test to place the identified plants into a number of different groups such that similar plants were placed in the same group on the basis of the set of measured variables. A stepwise discriminate elimination of set of characters was employed to find out which combination of the three sets of characters as measured gave the best fit of relationship between the eight species against the backdrop of the established classifications. The phytochemical constituents and the chromosomal numbers in this study are considered to be more true taxonomic characters to be considered in the classification of these plants. The combination revealed that Ficus ingens and Ficus exasperata are more similar to each other than they are to Ficus platyphylla and Ficus sur, i.e. their connections (clades) are the closest links to the bottom (Euclidean distance = 96% and 93% respectively). In the same vein, Ficus ingens, Ficus exasperata, Ficus platyphylla and Ficus sur in the next upper clade (Euclidean distance =89%) are more similar to each other than they are to Ficus polita, Ficus trichopoda and Ficus thonningii in the next upper clade (Euclidean distance =82.5%). Artocarpus heterophyllus is completely separate from all the other seven species and is said to be simplicifolious (one-leaved). In conclusion, a combination of phytochemical and chromosomal attributes gave a better indication of the relationship between the 8 species of Moraceae in line with the established classification scheme for the family. Phenological events in the eight species did not appear to be important in the classification of the species.

Keywords: Clade, Cluster analysis, Euclidean distance, Moraceae, Phenological, phylogenetically, simplicifolious

1. INTRODUCTION of Ficus nekbudu serves as source of The Moraceae, often called the mulberry inutshu cloth (Gill, 1988). The wood of family or fig family, is a family of Maclura aurantiaca is suitable for making flowering plants comprising of bows (Gill, 1988). monoecious or dioecious trees, shrubs, lianas, or rarely herbs which comprise of The monophyletism of the family 40 genera and 1,000 species, nearly all Moraceae has been well supported in with milky sap (Gill, 1988). The leaves are different studies but relationships within simple and alternate or rarely opposite. the family at the tribal level (genera and The stipules are small and lateral or species) is still not clear (Zerega et al., sometimes they form a cap over the bud 2005). The family Moraceae displays an and leave a cylindrical scar. The flowers amazing array of diversity in inflorescence are unisexual and minute, and are usually structures, pollination syndromes, densely aggregated. These aggregations breeding systems, floral characters, and frequently take the form of pendulous growth forms. This diversity makes it an aments or catkins. Usually, the perianth excellent group for addressing many consists of 4 or 5 undifferentiated sepals, intriguing evolutionary questions (Zerega but sometimes fewer or no perianth et al., 2005). Classification or grouping of segments are present. A typical male the plants in the past was focused mainly flower has four stamens, one opposite each on the morphology of the plants without perianth segment. The female flowers have involving other parameters. For this a bicarpellate pistil, generally with two reason, there is the need to include other styles, although one may be suppressed. means by which plants can be The ovary is superior or inferior and distinguished such as cytological and or contains a single pendulous ovule in a phytochemical parameters etc. which can solitary locule. Fruit types include drupes help in giving a more clear-cut and achenes that are often coalesced or evolutionary relationship between the otherwise aggregated into a multiple species rather than using only the accessory fruit (Gill, 1988). Most are morphological traits. Wendy and Weiblen widespread in the tropical and sub-tropical (2009), suggested evaluation of Moraceae regions, less so in temperate climates. In classification based on morphological West Africa, it is represented by 12 genera analysis in combination with other and 110 species (Zerega et al., 2005). In parameters such as the use of cytological Benue State, Nigeria, the Moraceae family and phytochemical parameters. Earlier, is reported as the second largest family Stace (1980), suggested phylogenetic after Caesalpinioideae (Akesa, 2010 and studies at different localities for the Anyam et al., 2010). purpose of clarity in taxonomic systems of A large number of these plants provide Moraceae. At present, comprehensive edible fruits. These include Artocarpus information on the classification of the heterophyllus, Ficus carica, Ficus Family Moraceae which embraces glomerata, Morus alba, and Treculia taxonomic characteristics such as africana. Others are of medicinal morphological, chromosomal, and importance. These include, Ficus phytochemical characteristics are lacking. sycamorus, Ficus polita and Ficus ingens The aim of this study is to determine (Gill, 1988). The bark of Antiaria taxonomic relationships between members toxicaria is used for making garments and of the family Moraceae found in some sacks. Many species yield good timber. parts of the Benue Savanna. Morus australis is grown for its leaves

which are fed to silkworms. Many Ficus species are grown as shade trees. The bark

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS wet season. (2) second wet season. (3) both-wet season, and (4) dry season. The 2.1 Plant Identification and Grouping first wet season lasts between April and A floristic survey of the study sites was June, the second wet season is between made and sample plant species belonging July and October, both wet seasons to the Family Moraceae were collected. comprises the whole of the wet season, i.e. The field assessments of the taxa were between April and October, and the forth based on their general morphology. This period which is the dry season last from was in line with the methods used by November to March. Cronquist (1988), Hutchinson (1926; The plant stands earmarked for study at the 1959; and 1973), and Keay et al. (1989), three sites were also observed to determine who also used diagnostic keys which do the flowering frequency. The members of offer description of the plants concerned, Family Moraceae in flower were and state the essential diagnostic categorized into three levels: those that characters by means of which the taxa flower continually; those that were could be identified. They used the most episodic; and those that flowered only conspicuous and clear-cut characters, annually. Continual species are those that without special regards to those considered flower more or less continually during the taxonomically the most important. Both year, episodic species are those that flower plants that were identified conclusively on for more than once during the year, and the field and those not identified but annual species comprise of species that suspected of belonging to the Family flower only once during the year (adopted Moraceae were conveyed to the Botany from Kamaljit et al., 2003, and Anyam et laboratory of Benue State University, al., 2010). Makurdi, for identification and authentication. Mr. J.I. Waya of the Flowering duration was determined by Department of Biological Sciences, Benue counting the number of weeks that a State University, Makurdi, helped with the species would take to flower per episode. conclusive identification and That is, from the time the first flower buds authentication of the plant samples using are formed on the plant up to the time the taxonomic books such as FWTA, Trees of last flower matures in a particular species. Nigeria by Keay et al.1989. The plant stands identified as members of the Family 2.3 Cytogenetical Studies of Members Moraceae and earmarked for further of Moraceae family. studies for the purpose of this research Cytogenetical studies were carried out to work were tagged for easy identification determine the number and characterization and study on subsequent visits. of chromosome complements that are arrested at mitotic stage through a series of treatments. These studies were carried out to reveal the chromosomes of related 2.2 Determination of Flowering species of plants that vary in several ways, Behaviour which are collectively summed as The plant stands identified as members karyotype. The details have been found of the Family Moraceae, earmarked and extremely useful at all levels of the tagged for study were visited forthnightly taxonomic hierarchy as well as resolving during the study period for observations of controversies on taxonomy and evolution their flowering behavior, which included of different taxa flowering time, frequency and duration Stem cuttings obtained from the study (adopted from Kamaljit et al., 2003, and sites, of plant species belonging to the Anyam et al., 2010). The seasons were family Moraceae were used for categorized into four periods: (1) the first propagation in polythene bags filled with

GSJ© 2017 www.globalscientificjournal.com GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017 71 saw dust. The polythene bags were tissue to be squashed to spread out a layer properly labeled with the names of plant one-celled thick under the cover slip on a species that they contained for reference glass slide. purposes. The plants were watered twice a day (morning and evening) for three Hydrolysis is often done prior to orcein weeks. Fresh roots appeared within the staining. The fixative was decanted from said period. the test tube containing the fixed root tips and was replaced with 10% HCL. The test The larger roots having firm, shiny tips tubes were then transferred to an oven with slight yellowish tinge which would preset at 600C for30 minutes after which give many cells suitable for study were hydrolysed root tips were transferred into selected. Roots having dull, brown or specimen tubes and washed several times flaccid tips were avoided as they do not to remove the hydrochloric acid which produce good cells. The root-tips were otherwise would interfer with the staining collected by removing the terminal (5- process. 10mm) of the roots with fine pointed forceps. The root tips were collected Formo-lacto-propiono-orcein stain is very between 08.00am and 11.00am, which is useful in chromosomal studies as it is the time for highest active cell division partly selective in its action and so enables according to Haskell (1986). chromosomes to be stained differentially The harvested root-tips were transferred from the other cell contents. The with forceps directly into test tubes nearly hydrolysed and washed root-tips were filled with Carnoy's fixative and stoppered transferred into test tubes containing to prevent evaporation or hydration. The Formo-lacto-propiono-orcein stain and left test tubes were labelled with the names of for 30minutes for staining. Root-tips left the plant species. Root tips were fixed for for longer periods in the stain became a minimum of 3 hours, although, they unusable owing to over-staining of the could remain in the fixative up to 48 hours cytoplasm at room temperature. The root tips not used within 48 hours were prevented from The stained root tip was placed on a slide deteriorating by preserving them for future and viewed under a dissecting microscope. use in a solution of 70% alcohol in tightly The end of the root- tip behind the root cap stoppered tubes and kept in the refrigerator which is the region of active mitotic at about 10oC. The fixed root tips activity was isolated from the rest of the immediately were then rinsed a couple of root tip using a sharp dissecting knife. times in the ethyl alcohol to remove the Using mounting needles, the root tip was acetic acid from the fixative. Acetic acid, broken into small bits and flooded with if not removed, could reduce the one drop of Formo-lacto-propiono-orcein stainability of the chromosomes. The stain. It was then covered with a cover slip acetic acid acts as neutralizer of stains. and placed on a paper towel which was then folded over the cover slip and pressed Hydrolysis involves the maceration of the as hard as possible with the thumb. This tissues in hot hydrochloric acid to soften forced the cells to separate from each other the tissues or to hydrolyse giving a single layer of cells making it deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the possible to observe the cell inclusion chromosomes in the root-tips. The links together with the chrososomes at different between the cellulose walls of plant cells stages of mitotic division. are broken down by the treatment with The number of chromosomes per cell for hydrochloric acid. This ensures that the each species of the Family Moraceae stain can penetrate the cells and allows the

GSJ© 2017 www.globalscientificjournal.com GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017 72 studied was estimated from the mitotic identified plants into a number of different stages studied. Efforts were made to as groups such that similar plants were placed much as possible cover all the area in the same group on the basis of the set of covered by the root tip so as to observe as measured variables. In this study, the set of much as possible all the mitotic activity measured variables for the eight species of per root tip. A Carl-Zeiss Jena NU Moraceae family identified in the study microscope equipped with an Olympus area were phytochemical constituents, Camedia C 2000 Z camera was used for chromosomal numbers of the somatic the study. This enabled observations to be cells, and phenological characters which made using the 100x oil immersion included flowering time, frequency, and objectives for chromosomal counts and duration other chromosome characteristics. 2.4 Phytochemical Studies of 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Moraceae Fresh samples of some organs: leaves, 3.1 Identification and Grouping of stem bark, and roots of the plant species Moraceae Species selected for the study were collected from Table1 illustrates the different species of each plant in June, 2013. These were taken the Family Moraceae found in the study to the Chemistry laboratory Benue State areas, with their common and local names. University, Makurdi, for phytochemical A total of eight (8) species belonging to analyses. The samples were air dried at two tribes of the Family Moraceae were room temperature and each separately recorded in the study areas. The two tribes pulverized into powder by pounding using were Ficeae and Artocarpae. Of the eight wooden mortar and pestle. After pounding, (8) plant species of the Moraceae recorded, each sample was sieved using fine mesh. seven(7) belonged to the Tribe Ficeae. This gave a very fine powder of each These were: Ficus exasperata, Ficus sample which were used in the extraction ingens, Ficus platyphylla, Ficus polita, of the phytochemicals using different Ficus sur, Ficus thonningii, Ficus solvents. trichopoda, and only one species belonged to the Tribe Artocarpae. This was Phytochemical screening for major Artocarpus heterophyllus. Out of the eight constituents was undertaken using species found in the study areas, four of standard qualitative methods adopted from them were found in the wild including Fadeyi et al. (1989), Odebiyi and Ficus exasperata, Ficus ingens, Ficus sur, Sofowora (1990), and Harborne, (1992), and Ficus trichopoda, while the other four Abulude et al. (2001& 2004) ,and Abulude were found in the homesteads including (2007). Tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, Ficus platyphylla, Ficus polita, Ficus terpenoids, flavanoids, glycoside, thonningii and Artocarpus heterophyllus. anthraquinones, carotenoids, reducing Some of these species were reported sugars, alkaloids, and sterols tests were before by several workers. In Plateau conducted using both the alcohol and the State, Nigeria (Offiah, et al., 2011) aqueous extracts. reported Ficus exasperata, Ficus trichopoda and Ficus platyphylla. Also, in southern Nigeria reported two species, Ficus exasperata and Ficus platyphylla 2.5 Cluster Analysis (Kadiri, et al., 2008) In an Ethnobotanical Cluster analysis was carried out using Survey of Herbal Markets and Medicinal Euclidean test (Computer software: Plants in Lagos State recorded Ficus sur, GenStat Release 7.22 DE) to classify the Ficus thonningii, Ficus trichopoda (Kadiri,

GSJ© 2017 www.globalscientificjournal.com GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017 73 et al., 2008) Our result are in agreement of severe drought or cessation of rains. In with those found by (Aworinde, et al., strongly dessicated, leafless trees, heavy 2013) in Odeda area Southwestern Nigeria rains cause rehydration and the opening of who reported plants grown and maintained resting flower buds (Borchert,1994c). in home gardens to include Ficus Synchronized flowering on new shoots at platyphylla, Ficus polita, Ficus thonningii the start of the rainy season thus indicates and Artocarpus heterophyllus. In Taraba rain induced shoot growth accompanied by State of Nigeria, (Chapman and Chapman, the formation of lateral flowers. Flower 2001) reported several other species formation on such shoots appears to be the including Ficus syncamorus, Ficus indirect, endogenously controlled benjamina and Ficus rosa. (Mbuya, 1994) consequence of flushing and not a identified useful trees and shrubs for response to a specific environmental Tanzania which include Ficus sur, Ficus flowering cue (Borchert, 1994c). Table 3 thonningii, Ficus trichopoda Ficus shows that plant species of Moraceae in exasperata and Ficus platyphylla. the study area flower in different months of the year, vis-à-vis in different seasons. 3.2 Flowering pattern These findings are in line with those of Table 2 shows highest percentage of Opler et al. (1980), Akesa (2010), and episodic flowering species followed by Anyam et al.(2010), and Newstrom et annual flowering species which is al.(1994, a and b) who also found that supported by the findings of Newstrom et woody plants flower in different months of al.,(1994b), who also found higher the year and Frankie et al. (1974) who episodic flowering species than annual reported that woody plants flower in flowering species. There could be a different seasons. The highest flowering disparity due to year to year variation in activity occurred in the dry season flowering phenology among tropical followed by the flowering in the first wet species in different regions of the world. season, and the lowest flowering activity Phenological phase changes such as the occurred in the both-wet season of the initiation of shoot growth or flowering of year. This is in line with Singh and these tropical trees at specific times of the Kushwaha (2006),who also found that year are often thought to be triggered, i.e., woody plants flower in the dry season to be controlled positively and directly, by extending into the first wet season. They the perception of an appropriate concluded that this flowering periodicity environmental cue (Ashton et al., 1988, has evolved as an adaptation to an annual and Augspurger, 1982). According to this leafless period and the time required for reasoning, any abrupt increase in the the fruit to develop. The direct relationship flowering frequency of a species is an between leafless period and time lag indication that there is induction of between onset of vegetative and flowering by some environmental cue. In reproductive phases reflects the the tropical forest the most likely partitioning of resource use for supporting environmental changes controlling the these phases. periodicity of tree growth and flowering are the first heavy rainfalls after a period

Table 1: Species of the Family Moraceae found in the study areas, with their common and local names.

Tribe Species Common Local names name Ficeae Ficus Sandpaper Hitur (Tiv),Uli/Ikpi (Idoma), Adundu exasperata fig/Toothbrush okulokulo (Etulo),Uhuo/Uho (Igede). Vahl fig Ficus ingens Homestead fig Hon-tur (Tiv), Adundu (Etulo), Kawuri (Miq.) Miq (Hausa).

Ficus Gutta-percha Ikondo-tor (Tiv), Ogo (Idoma),Ugu ese/Afe platyphylla tree mnii (Etulo), Gamji (Hausa). Del

Ficus polita Homestead fig Kondam/Mua (Tiv),Oda (Idoma), Mku- Vahl ozi/Afaya (Etulo),Durumi (Hausa).

Ficus sur Cape fig/ Tur (Tiv),Okoklodu (Idoma), Andundu Forssk Broom cluster (Etulo), Obwo (Igede),Dullu/Fabrinbaure fig/Bush (Hausa). fig/wild fig Ficus Stilt-root fig Po (Tiv),Ugu (Etulo), Bauren kiyashi trichopoda (Hausa). Baker

Ficus Dome-crowned Akinde (Tiv),Oda (Idoma),Mku-ozi thonningii fig Etulo),Uvo (Igede), Shiriya/Guluba/Chediya Blume (Hausa).

Artocarpae Artocarpus Jackfruit Ahi-uke (Tiv). Heterophyllu s Lam

Table 2:Seasonal patterns in flowering species of Moraceae family in Benue State

Species Seasons

First wet Second wet Both wet Dry

Ficus exasperate 1 0 0 1

Ficus ingens 0 0 0 1

Ficus platyphylla 1 1 1 1

Ficus polita 0 0 0 1

Ficus sur 1 0 0 1

Ficus thonningii 1 1 1 1

Ficus trichopoda 0 1 0 1

Artocarpus heterophyllus 0 0 0 1

Total 4 3 2 8

Table 2: Flowering Levels of plant species of Moraceae family in Benue State

Species Category of Flowering Annual Episodic Continual

Ficus exasperata 0 1 0

Ficus ingens 1 0 0

Ficus platyphylla 0 1 0

Ficus polita 1 0 0

Ficus sur 0 1 0

Ficus thonningii 0 1 0

Ficus trichopoda 0 1 0

Artocarpus heterophyllus 1 0 0

Total 3 5 0

% Total 37.5 62.5 0.0

3.3 Phytochemical composition of 3.4 Chromosomal number of plant species members of the Family Moraceae belonging to Moraceae Family Table 5 illustrates the Chromosomal number Table 4 illustrates the phytochemical of plant species belonging to Moraceae composition of members of the Family Family in Benue state. Number of Moraceae in Benue State, Nigeria. Both chromosomes varied among plant species of tannins and sterols were contained in all the Family Moraceae. Both Ficus thonningii the 8 plant species of Moraceae, whereas and Artocarpus heterophyllus had the saponnins and phlobatannins were highest chromosomal number of 2n = contained in only 7 of them. None of the 28(i.e.basic number of 14. This was followed by Ficus exasperata, Ficus ingens, plant species contained either alkaloids or Ficus platyphylla, Ficus polita, Ficus carotinoids. Using only aqueous extract, trichopoda, with chromosomal number of 2n the highest number of plant species (7) = 26 (i.e. basic number of 13). Ficus sur had contain tannins in their leaves followed by the lowest chromosomal number of 2n = 18 six species containing tannins in their stem (i.e. basic number of 9. Several cytogenetic bark. When only alcohol extract was used, studies established that the species of all the eight plant species under study family Moraceae have a base number of x showed presence of sterol in both leaves, = 13 or 14 (Condit, 1928 & 1933; Bawa, stem bark, and roots followed by seven 1973). Compared to the base number, the species containing saponnins in both chromosome counts in the present study leaves, stem bark, and roots. Tannins, indicated that these identified species were however, were contained in seven species not polyploids, they were all diploids. The only in the stem bark and roots (6 species findings of the present study are also in in the leaves). All the eight plant species line with Pimienta (1995), whose review under study showed presence of neither indicated diploidy as a common alkaloids nor carotenoids using both phenomenon within the family Moraceae. aqueous extract and alcohol extract. There In this study, the basic number of x = 9 was no association between phytochemical was obtained in Ficus sur. This finding is composition by species and the type of contrary to the findings of Condit (1928 & extract used, at p= 0.05, when chi – square 2 1933) and Bawa (1973) who found the (X ) analysis was conducted. Also, there basic number x of 13 and 14. Several was no association between phytochemical authors have reported variations in composition by species and plant parts. chromosomal numbers in plants of the same kind that are vegetatively propagated

Table 4: Plant species of Moraceae containing different phytochemicals (using both Aqueous and Alcohol extract for both roots, stem-bark, and leaves).

Plant species Phytochemical Sap Tan Fla C.gl Alk Car C.an F.an Phl R.su Ste Ter Ficus exasperata + + + + - - - - + - + - Ficus ingens + + - - - - + + + - + - Ficus platyphylla + + ------+ - + - Ficus polita + + ------+ - + + Ficus sur + + - - - - + + + - + - Ficus thonningii + + ------+ - + - Ficus trichopoda + + ------+ - + + Artocarpus - + + ------+ + + heterophyllus Total 7 8 2 1 0 0 2 2 7 1 8 3

Key + = present - = absent Sap = Saponnins Tan = Tannins Fla = Flavonoids C.gl = Cardiac glycosides Alk = Alkaloids Car = Carotenoids C.an = Combined anthocyannins F.an = Free anthocyannins Phl = Phlobatannins R.su = Reducing sugar Ste = Sterols Ter = Terpenoids

Table 5: Chromosomal number of plant species belonging to Moraceae Family in Benue state. S/No Plant Species Chromosomal number 1 Ficus exasperata 2n =26 2 Ficus ingens 2n =26 3 Ficus platyphylla 2n =26 4 Ficus polita 2n =26 5 Ficus sur 2n =18 6 Ficus thonningii 2n =28 7 Ficus trichopoda 2n =26 8 Artocarpus heterophyllus 2n =28

Cluster analysis on the basis of the set of included Artocarpus heterophyllus in the same clade with the Ficus species measured variables indicating that Artocarpus heterophyllus is included in the same tribe (Ficeae) with Fig. 1 is the result of Cluster analysis using the Ficus species and Ficus sur excluded Euclidean test using a set of measured from the tribe Ficeae. This finding was variables including both phytochemical remarkably different from the findings of constituents, chromosomal numbers, and previous studies including Berg (2001), phenological characters (Flowering time, Berg (2005a), and Datwyler and Weiblen Flowering frequency, and Flowering (2004). This sharp distinction in the duration ) placed Ficus sur completely relationship with the previously separate from the other Ficus species but established ones, prompted a stepwise

GSJ© 2017 www.globalscientificjournal.com GSJ: Volume 5, Issue 12, December 2017 78 elimination of the measured variables phenological characters are not true (characters) to ascertain the ones that are taxonomic characters to be used in the true taxonomic characters of the species classification of these plants. Phenological under study. behaviour of plants could vary from time In fig. 2, the phenological characters were to time and between taxa depending on eliminated from the cluster analysis some environmental cues and other leaving only the phytochemical conditions dependent on the taxa constituents and the chromosomal themselves. The cluster analysis involving numbers for the analysis. This cluster only the phytochemical constituents analysis depicted the true picture of the (Fig.3) of the plants did not reveal much taxonomic relationship among the species distinction between the eight species under of Moraceae under study as established by study. There was no much distinction Berg (2001), Berg (2005a), and Datwyler between the Ficus species themselves and and Weiblen (2004). The cluster analysis between the Ficus species and the revealed that Ficus ingens and Ficus Artocarpus heterophyllus which has been exasperata are more similar to each other shown to belong to another tribe. This than they are to Ficus platyphylla and indicates that the distribution of Ficus sur, i.e. their connections (clades) phytochemical constituents may vary are the closest links to the bottom irregularly between the Ficus species and (Euclidean distance = 96% and 93% they on their own can not necessarily be respectively). In a same vein, Ficus ingens, used to discriminate between the species. Ficus exasperata, Ficus platyphylla and It is usual to accept phenomenon in Ficus sur in the next upper clade taxonomic systematic that as many (Euclidean distance =89%) are more characters as possible should be used in similar to each other than they are to Ficus classification of biological material. Thus, polita, Ficus trichopoda and Ficus in this study, a combination of thonningii in the next upper clade phytochemical and chromosomal (Euclidean distance =82.5%). Artocarpus attributes gave a better reflection of the heterophyllus is completely separate from relationship between the 8 species of all the other seven species and is said to be Moraceae in line with the established simplicifolious (one-leaved). Its placement classification scheme for the family. indicates that the distribution of the set of Cluster analysis as such is not an measured variables is substantially automatic task, but an iterative process different from the distribution in the of knowledge discovery or interactive remaining species. multi-objective optimization that involves The phytochemical constituents and the trial and failure. It is often necessary to chromosomal numbers in this study are modify data preprocessing and model considered to be more of the true parameters until the result achieves the taxonomic characters of these plants while desired properties

Euclidean distance 0.75 0.90 0.85 0.80 0.95 1.00 F. sur F. F. polita F. F. ingens F. F. thonningii F. F. platyphylla F. F. trichopoda F. F. exasperata F.

A.heterophyllus Figure 1: Taxonomic relationship between the different species of Moraceae on the basis of phytochemical constituents, chromosomal numbers and phenological characters as the set of measured variable.

Euclidean distance

0.75

0.80

0.85

0.90

0.95

1.00

Ficus sur Ficus polita Ficus polita Ficus ingens

Ficus thonningii Ficus thonningii Ficus exasperata Ficus trichopoda Ficus trichopoda Ficus platyphylla Ficus platyphylla

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Figure 2: Taxonomic relationship between the different species of Moraceae on the basis of phytochemical constituents and chromosomal numbers as the set of measured variable.

Euclidean distance

0.75

0.80

0.85

0.90

0.95

Ficus sur Ficus Ficus ingensFicus Artocarpus Artocarpus heterophyllus

Ficus exasperata Ficus 1.00 Ficus platyphyllaFicus Ficus polita Ficus Ficus thonningiiFicus trichopoda

Figure 3: Taxonomic relationship between the different species of Moraceae on the basis of only phytochemical constituents as the set of measured variable.

REFERENCES fruiting in the aseasonal tropics. American Naturalist. Abulude, F.O., Akajagbor, C. and 132:44-66. Dafiehware, B. H.( 2001). “Distribution of Trace Augspurger, C.K. (1982). A cue for Minerals, Phosphorus and synchronous flowering. In Phytate in Some Varieties of Leigh, E.H.,Rand, A. S. And Mushrooms Found in Nigeria”. Windsor,D.W.(eds).The Advanced Food Science. 23; ecology of a tropical forest. 113 -116. Seasonal rhythms and long- term changes.Smithsonian Abulude, F.O., Onibon, V.O. and Institution Press, Washington. Oluwatoba, F.( 2004). Pp 133-150. “Nutrition and Nutritional Composition of Some Tree Aworinde, D. O. , Erinoso, S. M. , Barks”. Nigerian Journal of Ogundairo, B. O. and Olanloye Basic applied Science. 13: 43 - A. O. (2013) . Assessment of 49. plants grown and maint ained in home gardens in Odeda area Abulude, F.O.( 2007). “Phytochemical Southwestern Nigeria. Screening and Mineral Journal of Horticulture and Contents of Leaves of Some Forestry,. 5(2) 29- 36. Nigerian Woody Plants”. Research journal of Bawa, K.S. (1973). Chromosome numbers Phytochemistry. 1(1):33 - 39 of tree species of a lowland tropical community. Journal Arnold Arbor. 54 : 422-434. Akesa, T. M.(2010). Flowering patterns of woody plants at Agan Forest Berg, C. C. (2001) . Moreae, Artocarpeae, Reserve, Makurdi. and Dorstenia (Moraceae) with Unpublished M.Sc. introductions to the family and Dissertation, Biological Ficus and with additions and Sciences Department, Benue corrections to Flora Neotropica State University, Makurdi. Monograph 7.Flora Neotropica 97pp. .NewYork:New York Botanical Garden.

Anyam, R. W., Bem, A. A. and Akesa, T. Berg, C. C.(2005a) . Flora Malesiana M.(2010). Flowering Patterns precursor for the treatment of in Woody plant species of Moraceae 8: Other genera than Makurdi, Benue Savanna Ficus . Blumea 50 : 535 – 550 . Region of Nigeria. Biotropic Research International Journal . 2 (2): 56 - 66. Borchert, R.(1994c). Induction of rehydration and bud break by Ashton, P.S., Givinish, T.J. and Appanah, irrigation or rain in deciduous S. (1988). Staggered flowering trees of a tropical dry forest in in the Dipterocarpaceae: new Costa Rica. Trees.8:198-204. insights into floral induction and the evaluation of mass

Chapman, J.D. and Chapman, H.M. (2001). Journal of ecology. 62:881- ForestFlora of Taraba and 919. Adamawa States, Nigeria. An ecological account and plant Gill, L. S. (1988). Taxonomy of Flowering species checklist.University of Plants. Africana –Fep Canterbury Christ church, New Publishers Limited. 338pp. Zealand. 330pp . Condit, I.J. 1928. Cytological and morphological studies in the Harborne, J.B.( 1992). Phytochemical genus Ficus. I. Chromosome Methods. Chapman and Hall Publications: London, UK. number and morphology in 7–8. seven species. Univ. California Publ. Bot. 11 : 233-244. Haskell, G. and Willis, A. B.(1986). Primer of chromosome Condit, I.J. 1933. Cytological and practice. Plant and Animal morphological studies in the chromosomes under the genus Ficus. I1. Chromosome microscope. Gordon and number and morphology in Breach Science pu blishers, thirty-one species. Univ. New York California pp 559-567 Hutchinson, J. (1926). Families of flowering plants. 1. Dicotyledons. Oxford Cronquist, A.(1988). The evolution and University press, classification of flowering London.328pp. plants. New York. Botanical Gardens, New York. 160pp. Hutchinson, J. (1959). Families of flowering plants. Two vols. 2nd Datwyler, S. L. and G. D. Weiblen ( 2004) ed. Oxford University press, . On the origin of the fig: phylogenetic London.434pp. relationships of Moraceae from ndhF sequences . American Journal of Botany Hutchinson, J. (1973). Families of 91 : 767 – 777. flowering plants. 3rd ed. Claredon Press. Oxford.968pp.

Fadeyi, M.G., Adeoye, A.E., and Kadiri, A. B. , Olowokudejo , J. D.and Olowokodejo, J.D. 1989. Travih, V.A . 2008).An Ethnobotanical “Epidermal and Phytochemical Survey of Herbal Markets Studies with Genus of and Medicinal Plants in Lagos State of Boerhavia (Nyetanginaceae)”. Nigeria. Ethnobotanical Leaflets Crud Drug Res. 29:178-184. 12 (851-65.

Kamaljit,S. B., Hyesoon, K. and Michael, Frankie, G.W., Baker,H.G. and Opler, H. G (2003). Relationship among time, P.A.(1974). Comparative frequency, phonological studies of trees in and duration of flowering in tropical wet and dry forest in tropical rain forest trees. American Journal the low lands of Coasta Rica. of Botany. 90: 877 -887.

treatment of animal diarrhoea in Keay, R.W.J., Onochie, C.F., Stanfield, Plateau State, Nigeria. BMC J.(1989). A Revised Version of Trees of Veterinary Research, 7:36 Nigeria Clarendon Press: New York, NY. 339 – 340. Opler, P.A.,Frankie, G.W. and Baker,H.G.(1980). Mbuya, L.P. (1994). Useful trees and shrubs Comparative phenological for Tanzania: Identification, studies of treelets and shrub Propagation and Management for species in a tropical wet and Agricultural and Pastoral Communities. dry forest in the low lands of Regional Soil Conservation Unit Coasta Rica. Journal of (RSCU), Swedish International ecology. 66: 167-188. Development Authority (SIDA), 55pp Pimienta (1995). Determination of ploidy Newstrom, L.E., Frankie, G.H. and Baker, levels within the family H.G.(1994a). A new Moraceae. Annu. Rev. Ecol. classification for plants Syst. 40: 46–50. phenology based on flowering patterns in low tropical rain Stace, C. A. (1980).Plant Taxonomy and forest trees at La Selva, Coasta Biosystematics –( Rica. Biotropica 26:141-159. Contemporary Biology). Edward Arnold (Publishers) Newstrom, L.E., Frankie, G.H. and Baker, Limited, London. Pp279. H.G.(1994b). Diversity of long term flowering Wendy, L. C. and Weiblen, G. D.(2009). patterns.Biotropica.26:171- Morphological Evolution in 180. the Mulberry Family (Moraceae). Systematic Odebiyi, A. and Sofowora, A.E.(1990). Botany. 34(3): pp. 530–552 “Phytochemical Screening of Nigerian Medicinal Plants. Zerega, N. J. C., W. L. Clement, S. L. Part III”. Lloydia. 41:234-246. Datwyler, and G. D. Weiblen (2005) . Biogeography and Offiah, N.V. Makama, . S., Elisha, I.L., divergence times in the Makoshi, M.S. Gotep, J. G. mulberry family (Moraceae) . Dawurung, C.J. Oladipo, O.O. Molecular Phylogenetics and Lohlum , A.S.and Shamaki, D. Evolution 37 : 402 – 416. (2011). Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used in the

. . . .