ANATOMICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON MOMORDICA CHARANTIA L. PLANTS, NEWLY ACCLIMATED IN ROMANIA

Abstract

Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae family), medicinal and nutraceutical plant known from Asia, South Africa, South America, the Caribbean region, has been acclimatized in Romania since 1990 until now. This plant, cultivated in the open greenhouses belonging to S.C. HOFIGAL Import Export S.A. has been studied in several projects, among which “Project 160/2014-2017 – MAIA – Multifunctional and innovative products for safe and bioenhanced functional food from newly cultivated plants in Romania”, coordinated by ICECHIM/ INCDCP Bucharest. Starting from this project, a documentary study was carried out on the Momordica charantia plants acclimatized in different countries, and a morpho-anatomical research was initiated on the specimens grown in Romania, in the greenhouses belonging to S.C. HOFIGAL (Voucher BUC 408946-408950). The anatomical observations concerned the organization of the stem, petiole, and leaf lamina, using sets of cross-sectional and paradermal sections, treated with identification substances (IIK) and differential and successive stains (Iodine Green and Carmine Alum). Structural characteristics have been investigated under optical microscopy and documented through original photographic images and a set of dimensional data, data which are only partially found in the specialised literature. The results of our research are generally within the existent anatomical patterns. However, certain particular aspects have been noticed, regarding the epidermal cells, mechanical tissues, conducting tissues and mesophyll, completing the knowledge regarding the anatomy of acclimatized Momordica charantia plants.