Anatomical Characteristics of African Cherry (Prunus Africana) Medicinal Plant for its Accurate Taxonomic Identification

Abstract Background: The genus Prunus (Family Rosaceae) comprises over 400 plant species and exhibits vast biodiversity worldwide. Due to its wide distribution, its taxonomic classification is important. Anatomical characters are conserved and stable and thus can be used as an important tool in plant taxonomic characterization. Thus, this study aimed at examining and documenting P. africana leaf, stem, and seed anatomy using micrographs and photographs for possible use in identification, quality control, and phylogenetic studies of the species.Methods: P. africana leaves, stems, and seeds were fixed, dehydrated in ascending ethanol series (50–100 %), embedded in Technovit resin, and sectioned using a microtome for mounting histological slides for anatomical observation under a microscope and subsequent description.Results: The anatomical sections of a young stem revealed a cortex consisting of isodiametric parenchyma cells, druse crystals, primary vascular bundles, and pith. The mature stem bark consisted majorly of rhytidome with periderm densely arranged in multiple layers, a cluster of stone cells, and sclerenchyma. The sections of the leaf were hypostomatic with stomata size ranging between 18.90– (22.34)–26.90 × 15.41– (18.40)–21.22 μm. The leaf sections showed the presence of characteristic druse crystals, vascular bundles, and mesophyll layers. The pericarp showed the presence of epicarp, mesocarp, and endocarp with a thickness of approximately 350–400, 300–350, and 30–50 μm, respectively and a seed testa with a thickness of approximately 50–60 μm. Conclusion: The characteristic morphological and anatomical features observed in P. africana leaves, stems, and seeds in this study could provide useful data in taxonomical identification of this species.