Anatomy of Phyllanthus niruri L. (Euphorbiaceae)

The present study contracts with anatomical characterization of Phyllanthus niruri L., belongs to Euphorbiaceae family. Stem, leaf and root were the specimens for the anatomical study to observe treats in transverse section after staining with safranin. The anatomical studies revealed that the transverse section of stem showed the presence of one-layered epidermis covered by a thick cuticle. Hypodermis ranged 2-3 layers was present beneath the epidermis. Cortex was parenchymatous with profusely intercellular space. Cambium was present between xylem and phloem. Xylem was radially arranged and uniserrated to multiserrated. Xylem fibers was thick walled and lignified. The phloem was narrow. In transverse section of leaf, the epidermis layer was made up parenchymatous cells and the epidermal layer was covered with thick cuticle. Mesophyll cells (palisade and spongy parenchyma cells) were filled with chlorophylls. The large intercellular spaces occurred in the spongy parenchyma. Phyllanthus niruri L. showed paracytic stomata. The transverse section of root, it was encircled by cork cells. The cortical zone was narrow and the cortical cells intacted. The cortical regions arranged parenchymatous cells. The xylem was lignified and phloem was narrow and medullary rays were present.