Abstract Detail

Recent Topics Posters

Neal, William [1], Bellamy, Pamela [1], Brewer, Huntley [1], Gibson, Abi [1], Moseley, Tristan [1], Baghai-Riding, Nina [1].

A Preliminary Anatomical Study of Galium aparine (Rubiaceae).

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 Galium aparine L. (Rubiaceae), also known as cleavers, which is a naturalized weed that is common throughout the southeastern United States. Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, this species thrives in the Mississippi Delta throughout the early spring. It is associated with post-burn regions, soil sites that are rich in nitrogen and phosphorous, as well as areas that possess improper and deprived drainage. Galium aparine is known for its tiny yellow-green to white star-shaped flowers, winding stems, whorled leaves, abundant trichomes on its leaves and stems, and globular bur fruits that stick to clothing and fur. Internal anatomical sections were made of the roots, stems, leaves, and flowers. Fresh specimens were cut using single-edged razor blades and then stained with methylene blue and neutral red dyes. Longitudinal, cross-sectional and paradermal sections were examined. Digital photographs were taken with an Olympus BX43F light microscope. The epidermal, vascular and cortical tissue exhibited characteristics that are similar to other mesophytic angiosperms. Of special interest are paracytic stomata on the lower epidermis of leaves, the abundance of enlarged white cortical parenchyma cells in the root, possibly the result of enlarged air spaces from sectioning, and glandular trichomes along the leaves and stems. Additionally, when cutting transverse sections of the stem, the pith would commonly fall out in one piece and be predominately damaged. Other notable morphological features include the intense red color of the roots and the dimerous flowers. This experience added a new dimension in teaching Plant Anatomy. Students saw how weedy plants possess some unusual features compared to prepared slides of plant specimens that are commonly used in teaching Plant Anatomy laboratories.

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

Keywords:
none specified

Presentation Type:
Session: P, Recent Topics Posters
Location: Arizona Ballroom/Starr Pass
Date: Monday, July 29th, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PRT007
Abstract ID:1354
Candidate for Awards:None