Anatomical investigation of curcuma angustifolia roxb. (Zingiberaceae)

Present study provides information on anatomical characters of root, rhizome, leaf and petiole of Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. The transverse section of root revealed presence of starch granules and oil cells in the cortex. Whereas the cortex and pith regions of rhizome were filled with abundant starch grains, oil droplets as well as calcium oxalate crystals and oleo-resin. Epidermal region of leaf showed the presence of unicellular, uniseriate, non-glandular type trichome and paracytic type stomata. On upper leaf epidermis Bulliform cells are present. Maceration studies of root revealed presence of thin wall and thick wall parenchyma, fibre, fibre tracheids, tracheids, annular, spiral and pitted type of vessel elements.