Foliar mapping of Ficus carica Linn., (Moraceae)

Abstract

Pharmacognostic parameters of Ficus carica (Moraceae) were investigated for standardization of the plant and differentiate it from various species of Genus ficus. 700 different species represent in the Genus ficus, Ficus palmata was said to be closely related species, to differentiate the Ficus carica from other species it is important to investigate pharmacognostical properties. The characteristic features observed are, lanceolate broad leaves with rough lamina and multiple reticulate venations with irregular margins. The transverse section of the lamina through midrib and petiole shows various microchemistry parameters, multilayered epidermal cells, bifacial mesophyll, collateral vascular bundle with numerous crystal sheath and leptocentric bundles. Stellate trichomes was first investigated. Few parameters may deviate from literatures due to environmental change. The differential parameter is encountered in this article and the Ficus carica Linn is evaluated and differentiated from other species.