Foliar Micromorphology of euphorbia Golondrina l.c. wheeler (euphorbiaceae) from Cameroon

Euphorbia golondrina L.C. Wheeler (Euphorbiaceae) is an important plant used in traditional medicine in Cameroon. There exists a dearth of scientific literature on the anatomical and morphological attributes of this plant. Hence, the ultrastructure and crystal deposits of Euphorbia golondrina L.C. Wheeler (Euphorbiaceae) were assessed and illustrated for the first time using light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXS) with a view to explore the taxonomic significance of foliar epidermal features and their role in biosynthesis of plant secondary metabolites. Fresh leaves of E. golondrina were prepared for analysis using standard methods. The leaves are amphistomatic and characterized by paracytic stomata which were more on the abaxial surface than the adaxial surface. Anticlinal walls were undulate in pattern while the epidermal cell shape was irregular. Stomata indices range from 30.20 % to 60.20 % in the abaxial and adaxial surfaces respectively. The leaves have eglandular trichomes which were sparsely distributed over the entire surface. The EDXS analysis revealed Mg, Al, Si, Fe, S and Ca ions as predominant mineral components. The absence of glandular trichomes on the leaf of this plant suggests that some other tissues on the leaf are responsible for the secretion of secondary metabolites.