MORPHOLOGICAL, ANATOMICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON ZANHA GOLUNGENSIS HIERN. (FAMILY: SAPINDACEACE)

Abstract

Zanha golungensis Hiern. is one of the commonly used
species of Sapindaceae in Nigeria owing to its medicinal properties; however,
taxonomic data on the species are limited. In this study, morphological,
anatomical and phytochemical characters of the leaf and stem of Z.
golungensis were assessed with a view to add to existing literature on the
species. Vegetative morphology, light microscopy as well as phytochemical
examinations were performed. Taxonomically useful characters were
recorded which can be applied in the identification of Z. golungensis in
pharmacognostic crude drug research without ambiguity. This is a
contribution to already existing literature on the species.