Comparative Morphology, Anatomy and Phytochemistry of Cyrtosperma senegalense (Schott) Engl. and Alocasia macrorrhizos L. (Araceae)

Morphological, anatomical and epidermal studies were carried out on two species of Araceae, Cyrtosperma senegalense (Schott) Engl. and Alocasia macrorrhizos L. to investigate the taxonomic value of their similarities and differences. Morphological features were visually observed. Fresh specimens were dehydrated, wax embedded, mounted, microscopically observed and micrographed. Basic similarities were found in their leaf shape, venation, inflorescence and spathe, seeded fruits, scattered vascular bundles, possession of aerenchyma, and presence of stomata on the abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces. Conversely, the presence of prickles and sparseness of raphide idioblasts containing a raphide bundle each in C. senegalense distinguishes it from A. macrorrhizos which has abundant raphides. Phytochemical screening shows differences in their alkaloids, saponin, triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides contents. Though these preliminary studies yielded data that revealed their relationship and phytochemistry, further investigations of their cytology using electron microscopy and molecular biology are needed for more diagnostic data to distinguish them from each other and add more incite to their potential in drug discovery.