Anatomical Study of Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt. Polygonaceae): key Insights for Identifying an invasive species with medicinal traits
Authors:
Danilo Stojanović
(University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Belgrade, Serbia)
,
Miloš Zbiljić
(University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Botany, Belgrade, Serbia)
,
Jelena Brezičanin
(University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Belgrade, Serbia)
,
Zoran Maksimović
(University of Belgrade, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Belgrade, Serbia)
Abstract
The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the above- and underground organs, along with features of powdered plant material of the invasive species Reynoutria japonica; Hout., Polygonaceae, as a potential raw material for the pharmaceutical industry, were examined. No specific characteristics of the stem, root, and rhizome were identified that could independently allow for species determination. However, identifying features include the leaf midrib with its protrusions, vascular bundle arrangement and trichomes. The leaf powder is characterized by presence of epidermal cells with wavy walls, anisocytic stomata, numerous crystal druses, and conical unicellular trichomes. The ellements present in the rhizome and root powder are crystal druses, cork fragments, vessels, macrosclereids, and grouped starch grains. The use of R. japonica as medicinal raw material could help to reduce the negative impact of this species on habitats and biodiversity in Serbia.
Keywords: Fallopia japonica, invasive plant, microscopy, identification, rhizome, midrib
How to Cite:
Stojanović, D., Zbiljić, M., Brezičanin, J. & Maksimović, Z., (2024) “Anatomical Study of Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt. Polygonaceae): key Insights for Identifying an invasive species with medicinal traits”, Lekovite Sirovine 44(1), 1-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.61652/leksir2444008s
Rights: Authors retain the copyright of the published article
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