Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012

ISSN 2250-3137 www.ijlbpr.com Vol. 1, No. 2, April 2012 © 2012 IJLBPR. All Rights Reserved Research Paper SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS (MORPHOLOGY, ANATOMY AND PALYNOLOGY) OF AN AQUATIC MEDICINAL WATER MIMOSA ( OLERACEA LOUR.) IN EASTERN INDIA

Debasis Bhunia1 and Amal Kumar Mondal1*

*Corresponding Author: Amal Kumar Mondal,  Email: [email protected]

Neptunia oleracea Lour. is commonly known as water sensitive plant or water mimosa, belonging to the family Mimosaceae. Morphologically they look like Mimosa pudica except the presence of white spongy aerenchyma tissues that covered the stem and absence of thorns. The plant is herb, perennial, aquatic, floating or prostrate near water’s edge. Tap root thick, becoming woody. Stem to 1.5 m long. bipinnate, with 2-3 9-4 pairs of pinnae; petioles 2.0-6.8 cm long. Upper flowers are perfect, sessile Lower flowers sterile. Root epidermis is multi layered, composed 3-4 row of closely set thin walled parenchyma tissue rectangular cells. In the transvers section of stem the outermost epidermis are single layered and composed of closely set rectangular or spheroidal cell with thin cuticle. Paracytic stomata were present on both sides of epidermis. In SEM study swelling cell with hair like appendages are observed in between the stomata. Upper Stomata length 10.33µm and width 1.2µm, lower stomata length 10.76µm, width 2.3µm. Pollen grains are tricolpate and prolate (P= 66.83µm /E=59.83µm) in size and shape. The studies also highlights the morphological, anatomical and palynological characters using scanning electron microscope (SEM), light microscope (LM) and ethnomedicinal aspects of these water sensitive plant used by crush twigs are mixed with paste of un boiled rice (called atapchal in Bengali) and made into large size pills, fried and taken orally or with meals to prevent gastritis, acidity and constipation.These analytical results are showed different special characters which have most importance in taxonomical applications.

Keywords: , morphology, anatomy, palynology, scanning electron microscopy, light microscopy, Eastern India

INTRODUCTION specific epithet “oleracea means “of cultivation, Neptunia, the name, means “of the seas”, aromatic, esculent, vegetable”.The genus for Neptunus, the Greek god of the seas. The Neptunia includes 11 species (McVaugh 1987).

1 Department of Botany and Forestry, Plant , Biosystematics and Molecular Taxonomy Laboratory, Vidyasagar University, West Bengal, India.

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Some are sprawling undershrubs or perennial awake), but can be distinguished from it and the herbs while others are aquatic with ascending or two other species of Neptunia. floating stems and bipinnate leaves, often Morphological, anatomical (Esau, 1965), sensitive to touch and fluctuations in light. The palynological characters are very important to species are indigenous to tropical and sub- characterize and classify any plant properly. tropical regions, some flourishing in moist and These characters are also required for database swampy environments. preparation in this digital world by which further The plant Neptunia oleracea Lour, experiments or research will be done. These (Mimosaceae) is an annual floating marine plant characters are very important for proper and rapid usually distributed in tanks and lakes all over India identification, but detail morphological, and Ceylon (Kirtikar and Basu, 1991). The pan- anatomical, palynological studies of N. oleracea tropical mimosoid legume genus Neptunia has is very less. attracted much interest in the last 15 years, largely Morphological, anatomical and pollen because of the aquatic habitat of some of its characters are now applied in solving of species and the ability of some of these to form controversial taxonomical and phylogenetical N -fixing root nodules on submerged roots 2 problems (Balasbramanian et al., 1993). Major (James et al., 1992a, b, 2001; Subba-Rao et al., morphological characters are hair structure, 1995). It is reported to possess astringent, stomatal structure, flowers structure etc. while antimicrobial and anticancer properties. The roots major anatomical characters are cortex, vascular of the plant are used in late stages of syphilis bundle characters etc. Characters of pollen grain (Chopra and Chopra, 1986; NakamaraY, are apertural form, number, distribution and Murakami, Koshimizu, Ohigashi, 1996). Neptunia position, exine ornamentation and stratification oleracea Lour. [syn. N. prostrata (Lam.). Baill.] etc. (). Garden puff or water mimosa is an aggressive and invasive aquatic species, MATERIALS AND METHODS presumably native to India and southeastern Asia Field survey (possibly also tropical Africa), where it is used as Plant specimen was collected from Gangetic an edible food plant; however, its present region (surrounding of the river Ganga) of West distribution is pantropical (Windler 1966). It has Bengal which is situated in the eastern part of previously been reported from Puerto Rico, but India. no previous records exist for its spontaneous occurrence in the United States (Isely 1998; Herbarium specimen of the species was then USDA, NRCS 2008). It is called water sensitive prepared. Next the plant is identified and deposited plant or garden mimosa in the trade. Once in the herbaria of Vidyasagar University. Plant established, it spreads rapidly across the surface sample was washed in deionized water and of the water, aided or buoyed by white, spongy some were fixed in alcohol for anatomical aerenchyma tissue underneath trailing stems. studies. Twigs, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, Neptunia oleracea is extremely similar seeds and pollens were collected time to time morphologically to N. plena (water dead and during visit. Flowering twigs were collected for

This article can be downloaded from http://www.ijlbpr.com/currentissue.php 291 Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012 morphological study. Pollens were collected for each specimen. Characteristic of the pollen; pollen study. During morphological studies, pollen diameter (P), equatorial diameter (E) flowering twig and herbarium samples were [measured by 400 times magnitude], Colpus examined through the conventional taxonomical length (clg), colpus width (clt), exine thickness procedure adopted by Bentham and Hooker (ET), intine thickness (IT), apocolpium and (1873) and Prain (1903). Information of mesocolpium were measured. The terminology ethnomedicinal uses was obtained through field used is in accordance with Erdtman (1952), interviews with traditional healers. The medicinal Wodehouse (1935), Blackmore (1984), uses and mode of administration were gathered Blackmore and Persson (1996) and Punt et al. from tribal medicine men and herbalists and (2007). compared with relevant literature. Each medicinal Chemicals were treated to remove resistant practice was verified and cross-checked. outer exine wall layer of pollen grain. Acetolysis Light Microscopy (LM) stain is brownish in colour and acetolysis mixture Morphological parameters which have taxonomic was prepared in a measuring cylinder by slowly value (length of vegetative and floral parts, type adding concentrated H2SO4 and acetic anhydride of stamen, carpel) were determined. Anatomical in 1:9 ratios. Glycerine gelly, 50 gm gelatin, 150 study was done by simple transverse section of ml glycerol, 175 ml DH2O was mixed thoroughly root stems (culms) and leaves (Johanson, 1940). and boiled in water bath for 1 to 2 h and 7 gm To study the stomata, the paradermal cross phenolic crystals were added to the mixture and sections were taken (Algan, 1981). For mix thoroughly until warm and melted. The palynological study, fully mature anthers were glycerine jelly was then poured on a Petri dish removed from the specimens and were prepared making a thin uniform layer of 0.5 cm thick. It was by the standard acetolysis method (Erdtman cooled and preserved in a refrigerator. 1960), after which they were mounted in glycerin RESULTS jelly and sealed with paraffin max for light microscopy (LM). Measurements and Taxonomic Treatment morphological observations were made with an Neptunia oleraceo Lour: Benth.in Hook. Journ. 4. Olympus –CH20i BIMU, under E40, 0.65 and oil 354; Loureiro, J. de, Fl Cochin.t,2:64t,653, (1790); immersion (E100, 1.25), using a 10x eye piece. J.D.Hooker, Fl.Btrs.lnd, 2:285(78791; Theodor Cook, Fl. Prs.Bom. 1: a35 (1901); Sharma and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Singh, Fl of Mah, 1, (2000). For scanning electron microscopy (SEM) plant parts and acetolysed pollen grains in a 70% Habitat and distribution in Eastern India ethanol solution were pipetted directly on to Water mimosa takes root on the banks of aluminum stubs with double sided cellophane watercourses and grows out over the water tape, and air dried at room temperature under an surface, forming floating rafts. Within its native inverted flask. Specimens were coated with gold- range, water mimosa is a common floating plant palladium using at 20kV and photographed. The in freshwater pools, swamps and canals at low measures were based on 15-20 readings from altitudes of up to 300 m. When water levels fall

This article can be downloaded from http://www.ijlbpr.com/currentissue.php 292 Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012 during the dry season, the plants often perish. Reproduction and Dispersal The plants prefer slow-moving water 30–80 cm This species grows from seeds, but also deep, full sun and hot, humid conditions. Shade, reproduces via stem fragments that produce brackish water and saline soil adversely affect roots at their joints. When grown as a vegetable, plant growth. it is primarily propagated by stem cuttings. Water Neptunia oleracea is accepted as being native mimosa is most commonly introduced to new to tropical Asia, Africa and South America. But It water bodies through deliberate cultivation. grows wild and is cultivated as a vegetable However, seeds and stem fragments may be throughout South-East Asia. In Eastern-India it spread from these areas during floods. Seeds grows in West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, may also be dispersed in mud attached to Assam, Jharkhand, Tripura and Orissa (Figure machinery or vehicles. 1). In West Bengal it grows in south-eastern Morphological description districts, especially in undivided Medinipur, Herb, perennial, aquatic, floating or prostrate near Hooghly, Howrah, Bardhhaman and South-24 water’s edge (Figure 3). Tap root thick, becoming Parana (Figure 2).

Figure 1: Gangetic Region (Surrounding of the River Ganga) of West Bengal Which is Situated in the Easternpart of India

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Figure 2: West Bengal with Figure 3: A Flowering Twigs of South-Eastern Districts Neptunia oleracea Lour (Hand Drawing)

woody. Stem to 1.5 m long, rarely branched, leaflets, glabrous or sparsely ciliate; leaflets 8-20 becoming detached from the primary root pairs per pinna, 5.0-18.0 mm long, 1.5-3.5 mm system, forming spongy–fibrous indumenta broad, oblong, obtuse to broadly acute, between the nodes and producing fibrous occasionally mucronulate, asymmetrical, adventitious roots at the nodes when growing in glabrous or sparsely ciliate on the margins, the water. Stipules usually not evident on floating surface appearing minutely punctate, the venation stem, persistent, 5.5-15.0 mm long, 3.0-5.0 mm consisting of one main vein with the lateral veins broad, membranous, faintly nerved, lanceolate, obscure (Figures 4, 5 and 6). with the base obliquely cordate, glabrous, with margins entire. Leaves bipinnate, with 2-3 9-4 a spike, erect or slightly nodding, pairs of pinnae; petioles 2.0-6.8 cm long, angled, pedunculate, borne solitary in the axils of the glabrous, glandless; stipules none; rachis angled, leaves. Spikes are obovoid in bud. Peduncles 5.0- glabrous, glandless, prolonged into a linear 20.0 (-30.0) cm long, glabrous, usually with two like projection 2.0-5.0 mm long, the projection bracts subtending the spike, 3.0-11mm long. glabrous; pinna rachis distinctly winged, extended Flowers 30-50 per spike, sessile, each subtended beyond the attachment of the terminal pair of by a single bract 2.0-3.1 mm long (Figure 7).

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Figure 4: Forming Spongy-Fibrous Indumenta Between the Stem Nodes (branching (br) root; aerenchyma (at) tissues layer)

Figure 5: Producing Fibrous Adventitious Roots at the Nodes When Growing in Water

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Figure 6: Bipinnate Leaves With 2-3 9-4 Pairs of Pinnae

Figure 7: A Spike, Pedunculate Inflorescence, Borne Solitary in the Axils of the Leaves

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Upper flowers perfect, sessile; calyx Legume broadly oblong, flat, membranous- campanulate, green, 2.0-3.0 mm long, 5-lobed, coriaceous, glabrous, marginally dehiscent, 1.9- with lobes 0.4-0.7 mm long, broadly acute, the 2.8 cm long, 0.8-1.0 cm broad, with the body margins entire; petals 5, regular, free or slightly usually at right angles to the stripe, the stripe 0.4- coalescent at the margins, green, 3.0-4.0 mm 0.8 cm long, longer than the persistent calyx. Seed long ; stamens 10, free, 6.0-8.9 mm long, with 4-8 per legume, brown, ovoid, compressed, 4.0- the filamentous slender, flattened, white, 5.1-8.2 5.1 mm long, 2.7-3.5 mm broad (Figures 10, 11 mm long, anthers exerted, binocular, yellow, 0.7- and 12). 0.9 mm long, lacking a terminal stalked gland; pistil 7.0-8.9 mm long, usually exerted beyond the ANATOMICAL DESCRIPTION stamens; ovary 1.2-2.0 mm long, glabrous, Root stipulate; style slender, elongate; stigma truncate, Epidermis is multi layered, composed 3-4 row of concave (Figure 8). closely set thin walled parenchyma tissue Lower flowers sterile, sessile; calyx rectangular cells. The cortex is composing campanulate, 5 lobed, 0.9-1.5 mm long, with the circular intercellular nodule formation lobes 0.3-0.5 mm long, broadly cute; petals 5, parenchyma cells. Inner cortex is composed by regular, free, green, 2.2-3.5 mm long; stamens multiseriate cell layer and form a endodermis. 10, sterile, petal-like, yellow, 7.0- 16.0 mm long, Pericycle is the outermost uniseriate layer of 0.5-1.0 mm broad; gynoecium absent (Figure 9). stele. Vascular bundles are surrounded by

Figure 8: A Mature Fertile Anther in Upper Flower (anther (A); pollen (P); filament (F), (LM, bar = 200µm)

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Figure 9: A Petalloid Sterile Stamen of Lower Flower (LM, bar = 200µm).

Figure 10: Legume Fruit

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Figure 11: A Mature Seed (SEM, bar = 1 mm)

Figure 12: Wart Like Seed Surface (SEM, bar = 5µm)

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Figure 13: Drawing of Origin and Development of Aerenchyma Tissue Outside of Stem

Figure 14: T.S. of Root (epidermis (E); cortex (C); stele (S); pith (P), (LM, bar = 50µm)

This article can be downloaded from http://www.ijlbpr.com/currentissue.php 300 Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012 sclerenchyma. Vascular bundle is polyach and sides of epidermis. In SEM study swelling cell radial, 4-5 in numbers, phloem strand alternate with hair like appendages are observed in between to xylem strand (Mitra and Mitra, 1968) and Xylem the stomata. Upper Stomata length 10.33µm and exarh. Two protoxylem are in outside and width 1.2 µm, lower stomata length 10.76µm, metaxylems are in inside. Protophloem lies width 2.3 µm. Mesophyll tissues are differentiated towards periphery, and metaphloem lies towards in palisade and spongy parenchyma. Chlorophyll the centre. Small pith observed central in position containing cells are prominent. Vascular bundles with nodule formation cell (Figures 13-16). are in different sizes, collateral; phloem lies Stem towards the lower epidermis and xylem towards In the transvers section of stem the outermost the upper side. Each vascular bundle was epidermis are single layered and composed of surrounded by bundle sheaths (Figures 20-28). closely set rectangular or spheroidal cell with thin Palynological description: cuticle. Beneath the epidermis there are several layers of parenchymatous cells with containing Pollen grains of Neptunia oleraceo Lour were abundant chloroplast. After that several thick circular-lobate, large in size (P×E = continuous parenchyma cell layers are present. 66.83×59.83µm). Pollen class is 3-zonocolporate Then a row of sclerenchyma cell layered present and apertures with an intine protrusion (thickening outside of vascular bundle. Vascular bundles are of the middle of the aperture membrane). open and collateral remain scattered in Ectoapertures- colpi: long, straight, nearly parenchymatous ground tissue. They were more reaching the poles wide, deep, with obtuse or crowded towards the periphery. One layered of acute ends, the borders a little distinct, clg: endodermis present outside of sclerenchyma. 44.154µm, clt: 9.36µm. Endoapertures- Pori: Peripheral bundles touch the sclerenchymatous large, border distinct, circular, with an annulus band. Protoxylems are inside of the pith. (thickness sexine) and costae (thickness nexine), Protoxylem vessels are smaller cavities in mature plg: 11.060µm, plt: 11.024µm and plg/plt = 1.003. bundle. Metaxylem with larger cavities situated In equatorial view prolate, polar view circular to laterally. Phloem is above the metaxylem vessels. slightly triangular tricolpate pollen with three colpi, Pith containing with parenchyma cell and air or planaperturate: pollen grain with an angular chamber. Pith and medullary rays are outliner, where the apertures are situated in the differentiated.Cambium with 2-3 layers is located in between phloem and xylem. Xylem is endarch middle of the sides. Exine ornamentation is striate, and scatters. 3-4 line of xylem row present in elongated exine elements separated by grooves vascular bundle (Figures 17, 18 and 19). predominantly parallel arranged (Table 2 and Figures 29-39). Leaf There are two epidermal layers viz., an upper and Ethnomedicinal uses of Neptunia oleracea a lower epidermis. Both the epidermal layers are Lour. composed of compactly arranged, almost oval- It is used by tribal people of Paschim Medinipur tetragonal thick walled cells and possess distinct district for their different medicinal purpose. cuticle. Paracytic stomata were present on both Important uses are given in Table 3. Ehno-

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Figure 15: Vascular bundle of root in T.S. Sclerenchyma (Scl) tissue; Phloem (Ph); Xylem (Xy), (LM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 16: Nodule Forming Cell in Root (LM, Bar = 20µm)

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Figure 17: T.S. of Stem (epidermis (E); cortex (C); stele (S); pith (P), (LM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 18: Vascular Bundle of Stem in T.S. Phloem (Ph); Xylem (Xy); Cambium (C); Bundle (Bd) Seath, (LM, bar = 20µm)

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Figure 19: Aerenchyma Tissues Layer in Outside of Stem in T.S. (bar = 30µm)

Figure 20: Leaf Vascular Bundle of N. oleracea in T.S. (upper epidermis (Ue); mesophyll (Ms) tissue; bundle (Bd) sheath; lower epidermis (Le), Xylem (Xy) (LM, bar = 20µm)

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Figure 21: Leaf Anatomy of N. oleracea in T.S. (bundle (Bd) sheath; Phloem (Ph); Xylem (Xy), (LM, bar = 50µm)

Figure 22: Lower Epidermal (abaxial) Surface of Leaf With Paracytic Stomata Under Light Microscope (stomata (st)), (LM, bar = 20µm)

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Figure 23: Lower Epidermal (abaxial) Surface of Leaf Under Scanning Electron Microscope (stomata (st)), (LM, bar = 50µm)

Figure 24: A Paracytic Stomata of Abaxial Surface Under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, bar = 10µm)

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Figure 25: Upper Epidermal (adaxial) Surface of Leaf with Paracytic Stomata Under Light Microscope (stomata (st)), (LM, bar = 20µm)

Figure 26: Upper Epidermal (adaxial) Surface of Leaf Under Scanning Electron Microscope (stomata (st); tetragonal cell (Tc), (SEM, bar = 50µm)

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Figure 27: A Paracytic Stomata of Adaxial Surface Under Scanning Electron Microscope (stomata (st)), (SEM, bar = 10µm)

Figure 28: Hair Like Fibrous Appendages in Both Surface of Leaf Under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, bar = 2µm)

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Figure 29: Pollen Grain in Polar View Under Light Microscope (LM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 30: Pollen Grain in Polar View Under Light Microscope With Pore Appendages (LM, bar = 30µm)

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Figure 31: Pollen Grain in Polar View Under Scanning Electron Microscope With Pore (pore appendages (Pa); pore (pr), (SEM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 32: Pollen Grain in Polar View Under Scanning Electron Microscope With Pore (pore appendages (Pa); pore (pr), (SEM, bar = 30µm)

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Figure 33: Pollen Grain in Polar View Under Scanning Electron Microscope With Pore (pore appendages (Pa); pore (pr), (SEM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 34: Grain In Equatorial View Under Light Microscope (LM, bar = 30µm)

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Figure 35: Pollen Grain in Equatorial View Under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, bar = 30µm)

Figure 36: Pollen Grain in Equatorial View Under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, bar = 30µm)

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Figure 37: Pollen Exine Surface Ornamentation Under Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM, bar = 5µm)

Figure 38: Pollen Grains In Both Equatorial And Polar View Under Scanning Electron Microscope (equatorial view (Ev); polar view (Pv), (SEM, bar = 50µm)

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Figure 39: Pollen Grains in Both View Under Light Microscope (polar view (Pv); equatorial view (Ev); pore (pr), (LM, bar = 50µm)

Table 1: Different Morphological Characters and Measurements of Neptunia oleracea Lour.

Family Name : Fabaceae

Synonyms : Neptunia prostrata, Neptunia natans

Common Names : Water Sensitive Plant, Water Mimosa

Desirable Plant Features : Ornamental Foliage

Plant &Rootzone Preference/Tolerance : Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site)

Landscape Uses : Riverine

Light Preference : Full Sun

Water Preference : Lots of Water

Propagation Method : Stem Cutting

Mature Foliage Colour(s) : Green

Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) : Pink

Flower Colour(s) : Yellow / Golden

Growth Form: A perennial aquatic herb

Root: fibrous adventitious roots

Stem: 1.5 m long

Stipules: 5.5-15.0 mm long, 3.0-5.0 mm broad

Leaves: bipinnate, with 2-3 9-4pairs of pinnae

Petioles: 2.0-6.8 cm long

Leaf like projection: 2.0-5.0 mm long

Leaflets: 8-20 pairs/ pinna, 5.0-18.0 mm long, 1.5-3.5 mm broad, Stomata: Paracytic Upper Stomata: length 10.33µm and width 1.2µm,

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Table 1 (Cont.)

Family Name : Fabaceae

Lower stomata: length 10.76µm, width 2.3µm

Inflorescence: spike, erect or slightly nodding, pedunculate

Peduncles: 5.0-20.0 (-30.0) cm long,

Bracts: Two, 3.0-11mm long.

Upper flowers: perfect, sessile

Upper flowers Stamens: stamens 10, free, 6.0-8.9 mm long, with the filamentous slender,

Upper flowers stamen anther: exerted, binocular, yellow, 0.7-0.9 mm long, lacking a terminal stalked

Upper flowers gynoecium: pistil 7.0-8.9 mm long, ovary 1.2-2.0 mm long,

Lower flowers: sterile, sessile; calyx campanulate, 5 lobed, 0.9-1.5 mm long,

Lower flower stamen: stamens 10, sterile, petal-like, yellow, 7.0- 16.0 mm long, 0.5-1.0 mm broad;

Lower flower Gynoecium: absent

Fruit: Seed 4-8 per legume, Legume, 1.9-2.8 cm long, 0.8-1.0 cm broad,

Fruit Stripe long: 0.4-0.8 cm, 4.0-5.1 mm long, 2.7-3.5 mm broad

Seed: 4-8/ legume, 4.0-5.1 mm long, 2.7-3.5 mm broad

Table 2: Palynological Characters of Pollen of Neptunia oleracea Lour.

No. of Character Observation Character Neptunia oleraceo Lour.

1 Pollen type bilateral, heteropolar

2 Pollen unit Monad, dispersal unit consisting of a single pollen grain

3 Pollen class 3-zonocolporate

4 Exin/Intine 3/2

5 Exine 2.96µ

6 Dimension Large size (P×E = 66.83×59.83µm)

7 Shape and size Prolate P/E: 1.12

8 Outline circular-lobate

9 Aperture tricolpate pollen with three colpi or planaperturate: pollen grain with an angular outliner, where the apertures are situated in the middle of the sides, clg: 44.154µm, clt: 9.36µm, plg: 11.060µm, plt: 11.024µm and plg/plt = 1.003

10 Exine Ornamentation striate: elongated exine elements separated by grooves predominantly parallel arranged.

Note: P polar diameter, E equatorial diameter, P/E pollen shape, Ex exine thickness, Ex/Int the ratio of exine to intine thickness, clgcolpus length, cltcolpus width, plgporus length, pltporus width

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Table 3: Ethnomedicinal Uses of Neptunia oleracea

Botanical Vernacular Name Availability Part(s) Name/Family (Bengali, English) Status Used Ailment Dosage and Administration

Neptunia oleracea Lour. Haraisag, Less Young Acidity, gastritis Crush twigs are mixed with paste Mimosaceae Pani-najak; Frequent Shoot and constipation of un boiled rice (called atapchal Water mimosa in Bengali) and made into large size pills, fried and taken orally or with meals to prevent gastritis, acidity and constipation.

medicinal uses are based on personal in lower flowers are sterile, sessile; stamens observation and detailed discussions with the sterile, petal-like, yellow, and broad and tribes inhabiting these areas, particularly the aged gynoecium is totally absent. people and the ojhas (quack doctors) during the Anatomically root cortex is composing circular regular field surveys. They crush twigs and mixed intercellular nodule formation cells with 4-5 radial with paste of unboiled rice (called atapchal in vascular bundles. Neptunia, Aeschynomene, Bengali) and made into large size pills, fried and Sesbania, Viminaria, Campsiandra, and taken orally or with meals to prevent gastritis, Discolobium are genera of leguminous plants acidity and constipation. having some aquatic or semi-aquatic species DISCUSSION which nodulate with (Azo)Rhizobium. Campsiandra and Viminaria bear their nodules Morphologically Neptunia oleracea is more on roots, whereas Aeschynomene, Discolobium interesting from other due to some and Sesbania may produce nodules on both roots special characters, such as sysmonastic and stems (Napoli et al. 1975a; Dreyfus et al. movement of leave, forming spongy–fibrous 1986; Sprent and Raven 1992; Loureiro et al. indumenta between the nodes and producing 1994, Ndoye et al1994). A bacterium designated fibrous adventitious roots at the nodes when strain Liujia-146T (Labrys neptuniae sp. nov.) was growing in water surface which can help the plant isolated in the Tainan area of southern Taiwan to beyond the floating stem and absorb water. from root nodules of the aquatic legume Neptunia Inflorescence spike, have many difference oleracea (Yi-Ju Chou and Wen-Ming Chen, 2007). between two types flower, upper flowers perfect, Apart from Discolobium, their stem nodules are sessile; petals regular, free or slightly coalescent not normally submerged, but need to be at the margins; stamens are free with the surrounded by air which is nearly saturated with filamentous slender, anthers dithecus, lacking a water vapor (Parsons et al. 1993). Neptunia, on terminal stalked gland; ovary glabrous, style the other hand produces submerged nodules, slender, elongate; stigma truncate, concave. But associated with extensive development of floating

This article can be downloaded from http://www.ijlbpr.com/currentissue.php 316 Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012 rhizomes. Using light microscopy, Schaede Significant palynological characters are (1940) reported the following observations on the circular-lobate, large, 3-zonocolporate type and development of nodules in the Rhizobium sp. with an intine protrusion. Pollens are prolate in (Neptunia)-N. oleracea symbiosis: (i) within equatorial view and circular-slightly triangular in infection structures, the bacteria are embedded polar view. Exine ornamentations are striate- in a mucilaginous material; (ii) invaded bacteria reticulated arranged. cause the host cell nucleus to increase in size while cell division is depressed; (iii) bacteria within CONCLUSION host cells divide, transform into enlarged All these parameter are too much helpful to know bacteroids, and subsequently are digested; and the taxonomical characteristic of the taxa for (iv) death and digestion of the bacteroids are proper identification, systematical analysis, future followed by death of the host cell. The experimental research and phylogenetic development of the symbiotic infection process interrelationship among the Neptunia species. for each of these tropical legumes differs from Medicinally this plant is much more important. primary infection via root hairs in temperate Tribal peoples of Paschim Medinipur district use legumes (Sprent and Raven 1992) in that bacterial this plant as first aid medicine for acidity, gastritis dissemination following entry is initially and constipation. In further research it is important intercellular. An aquatic nodulation process poses to isolates the desire alkaloid from this medicinal a number of potential problems, if the molecular plant Neptunia oleracea. signalling systems known to occur in various These plant is more important from legume crop species are also to function in the taxonomical point of view for special aquatic environment. For example, nodgene- inducing factors produced by host tissues might morphological, anatomical and palynological be diluted. Natural wounds could in effect provide character, in that time it also important as an a semienclosed environment in which such ethno-medicinal point of view. Further studies with compounds might accumulate (Shaw 1993). The new species of tropical legumes growing under second stage in which rhizobia produce nodule- unique ecological conditions should add to a inducing factors could similarly be protected, greater understanding of the evolution of infection since extensive rhizobial colonization of these processes in N2-fixing legume-Rhizobium semi-enclosed environments precedes nodule symbioses, which in turn may contribute to the meristem formation. maximization of agricultural production with minimal chemical inputs. So needs for proper Stem outer cortex is composed by 3 layer conservation of the important water mimosa plant chloroplast containing cell. Single layer sclerenchyma tissues are present outside of Neptunia oleracea Lour by huge propagation of collateral vascular bundle. Leaves have abundant species from seeds, but also reproduce via stem paracytic type of stomata in both surfaces with fragments that produce roots at their joint. glabrous appendages. Leaves are too much However, seeds and stem fragments may be sensitive to touch, shows sysmonastic spread from these areas during floods. Seeds

This article can be downloaded from http://www.ijlbpr.com/currentissue.php 317 Int. J. LifeSc. Bt & Pharm. Res. 2012 Debasis Bhunia and Amal Kumar Mondal, 2012 may also be dispersed in mud attached to 6. Erdtman G (1952), “Pollen Morphology and machinery or vehicles. Plant Taxonomy of Angiosperms”, Chronica Botanica, Waltham, USA. ACKNOWLEDGMENT 7. Erdtman G (1960), “The Acetolysis Method”, We wish to thanks all of research scholars of the Svensk Bot. Tidskr, Vol. 54, pp. 561- 564. Plant Taxonomy, Biosystematics and Molecular taxonomy laboratory, Department of Botany and 8. Erdtman G (1971), “Pollen Morphology and forestry, Vidyasagar University for providing the Plant Taxonomy of Angiosperms”, Hafner successful research work and thanks to Dr. Pub. Co., pp. 1-539, New York. Sanjukta Parui Mondal for her heartily 9. Esau K (1965), Anatomy of Seed Plants, encouragements. We wish special thanks to Mr. John Wiley and Sons, pp. 1-767, New York. Subhas Maikap for technical support providing the 10. James E K, Loureiro M de F, Pott A, Pott V SEM study of the voucher specimens. J, Martins C M, Franco A A, Sprent J I (2001), REFERENCES “Flooding-Tolerant Legume Symbioses from the Brazilian Pantanal”, New Phytol, Vol. 150, 1. Algan G (1981), “Microtechnique for Plant pp. 723-738. Tissues”, University of Firat Publications, Istanbul, Vol. 1, pp. 1-94 11. James E K, Minchin F R and Sprent J I 2. Balasbramanian A, Thresiammar A J and (1992b), “The Physiology And Nitrogen-fixing Saravanan S (1993), “Petiolar Anatomy as Capability of Aquatically and Terrestrially an Aid to the Identification of Cinnmomum Grown Neptunia Plena: The Importance of Species (Lauraceae)”, Indian Forester, Nodule Oxygen Supply”, Ann. Bot., Vol. 69, Vol. 119, pp. 583-586 pp. 181-187. 3. Blackmore S and Persson V (1996), 12. James E K, Sprent J I, Sutherland J M, “Palynology and Systematics of the McInroy S G and Minchin F R (1992a), “The Crepidinae (Compositae: Lactuceae)”, in Structure of Nitrogen Fixing Root Nodules D J N Hind and H J Beentje (Eds.), on the Aquatic Mimosoid Legume Neptunia Compositae: Systematics. Proc. Int. plena”, Ann. Bot., Vol. 69, pp. 173-180. Conf. London 1994, Kew: R. Bot. Gard, 13. Johanson D A (1940), Plant Microtechnique, pp. 111-122. McGraw Hill, pp. 105-116, New York. 4. Chopra I C, Khajuria B N and Chopra C L (1957), “Antibacterial Principles of Alpinia 14. Kirtikar K R and Basu B D (1987), “Indian Galangal and Acorus Calamus”, Antibiotics Medicinal Plants, Internate Book Chemother, Vol. 7, p. 378. Distributors, Dehra Dun, pp. 2444-2449. 5. Dreyfus B, Alazard D and Dommergues Y 15. Loureiro M D, De Faria, S James E K, Pott (1986), “Stem-nodulating rhizobia”, In: Current A and Franco A A (1994), “Nitrogen-Fixing Perspectives in Microbial ecology, Reddy C, Stem Nodules of the Legume, Discolobium Klug M (Eds.), American Society for pulehellum Benth”, New Phytol., Vol. 128, Microbiology, Washington DC, pp. 161-169. pp. 283-295.

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