Laticifers of Jatropha

Abstract

This paper deals with the laticifers and latex of the species of Jatropha so far studied along with the information provided by our own studies on Jatropha tanjorensis, J. curcas and J. gossypifolia. The genus Jatropha is reported to posses all the three types of laticifers; articulated, non-articulated and idioblastic. Some species possess all the three types, some two of the three and some exclusively one type of laticifer. Depending upon the species and the laticifer type, the laticifers may arise in the embryo itself or in adult tissue as a result of cambial activity. The latex contains starch grains, lipids, mucilage and predominantly phenolics. In some, enzymes and novel lathyrane and cycline octopeptides have been described. There are some indications that laticifers may throw some light on taxonomic status of the various sections recognized under the genus Jatropha.