Studies On Some Taxonomic Characters Of Maesobotrya Species:- Okorie Igwe J

ABSTRACT Alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid, cardiac glycoside, saponin, steroid and terpenoi distributed in three species of Maesobotrya were assessed and compared. The species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae were M. staudtii, M. sparsijlor and M. Jloribunda. All these species were found to contain these bioactiv substances mentioned above. The morphology ol these plant species wcr discussed in line with the distribution of these bioactive substances and their use in ethnomedicne. The studies were carried out on the leaf, stem, root and flowei of these species. Anatomical and histochemical significant features of leaf, stei and root were observed and discussed. Palynology of these species were als investigated. Results from tire epidermal features showed different shapes whic varied form polygonal to sinous. Trichomes were absent. Calcium oxalate wei found in the stem of M. sparsiflora and lamina of M. floribunda. The cruc percentage of all these phytochemical constituents were also determined. The range from (0.17% -3.36%) flavonoid, (0.95% - 8.08%) alkaloid, (3.18% -7.65°/ saponin, (0.09%-0.232%) tannin, 92.13% - 3.93%) phenol and (5.33-14k hydrogen cyanide in all the species studied. Results obtained showed that the tv plants were closely related and despite some few characters of diagnost importance. These were explained and discussed with the aid of availab literature.