Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Hardin , Allison [1], Eldred, Kaley [1], Sheraka, Madisyn [1], Zarske, Michael [1], Welch, Morgan [1], Baghai-Riding, Nina [1].

A preliminary plant anatomical study of Lamium purpureum L. (Lamiaceae).

Students enrolled in the Spring 2019, BIO 410-Plant Anatomy course at Delta State University elected to do semester group projects on various weeds that occur in the Mississippi Delta. One group selected Lamium purpureum L. (Lamiaceae), commonly known as the purple dead-nettle. This species is a common annual throughout the southeastern United States and other regions of North America. Native to Europe and Asia, it thrives in the Mississippi Delta throughout the late winter to early spring. It forms large clusters in cultivated fields, pastures, lawns and waste sites. This species is typically a low growing biennial herb reaching 10 – 20 cm in height and can sprawl on the ground. It possesses opposite leaves, a fibrous taproot, purple zygomorphic flowers, square stems, and fine trichomes on its leaves. Anatomical sections were made of the roots, stems, and leaves of specimens collected around Delta State University. Longitudinal and transverse sections were cut using single-edged razor blades of roots and stems; these sections were then stained with methylene blue and neutral red dyes. Leaf paradermal sections were also attempted. Leaf epidermal peels also were analyzed using clear nail polish. Digital photographs were taken with an Olympus BX43F light microscope. Overall the epidermal, vascular and ground tissues exhibited characteristics that are similar to other mesophytic angiosperms. Of special interest are anisocytic stomata on the lower epidermis of leaves, numerous chloroplasts in the leaf mesophyll, and helical secondary wall thickening of xylem in stems.  Root cross sections exhibited the basic protostele vascular structure that is associated with most dicotyledonous angiosperms.The lack of the minty smell was of interest. Anatomical comparisons with other species in the Lamiaceae, including L. amplexicaule  that are native to the Mississippi Delta are already being planned for the 2020 Spring Semester.

1 - Delta State University, Division of Mathematics and Sciences, Cleveland, MS, 38733, USA

Keywords:
Mississippi Delta
purple dead nettle
Plant Anatomy.

Presentation Type:
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT009
Abstract ID:1370
Candidate for Awards:None