CYTOMORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF Marantochloa purpurea Ridl. IN MARANTACEAE FAMILY

ABSTRACT

Marantaceae, categorized as a perennial herbaceous plant family, exhibits rhizomes characterized by sympodial branching, resulting in the emergence of transient, verdant, and flowering shoots, comprising 29 genera and 627 species. Marantaceae is commonly referred to as the arrowroot family and the prayer-plant family. Marantochloa purpurea, a botanical specimen belonging to the Marantaceae family, is informally referred to as "Yoruba soft cane" (in English) and "Canne molle" (in French). This particular species flourishes within the tropical expanse of Africa, specifically within the environs of humid lowland forests. It is an herbaceous plant with the potential to attain heights of up to 2.5 meters. Leaves showcase a light green coloration and achieve lengths of approximately 30 centimeters. The inflorescence, exhibiting modest hairiness, displays loose branching. Its local names: Ebe-hazo, Ebe (Edo), Fì(t)àà (Hausa), Izòn àbèlèbèi pòù àbèlèbèi, Akpòbùàbàlàblà (Ijaw). Marantochloa purpurea are widely utilized in the creation of mats, baskets, knife sheaths and traps.The primary aim and objectives is to carry out the cytomorphological investigations concerning Marantochloa purpurea Ridl. in relation to its stomata and pollen. Buds and foliage of Marantochloa purpurea were procured from Ugbowo Lagos road vicinity situated in Benin City, Edo State. Young flower buds of different sizes are collected and fixed in 1:3:6 of acetic acid; alcohol; chloroform for 12 hours and later transferred to 70% alcohol (alcohol must be the same alcohol as the fixative). Epidermal peel was obtained by peeling off using a pair of forceps , later it was bleached and washed up with tap water. The stomata shape of Marantochloa purpurea is characterized as anomocytic in nature. xii Marantochloa purpurea within the Marantaceae family have yielded important findings about its pollen and stomata. These insights have enhance our comprehension of the plant's biological features and ecological functions.