Morphological, anatomical and proximate analysis of Leaf, Root, Rhizome of Costus igneus

Abstract

This study is based on anatomical and morphological investigations of Costus igneus. It is an important plant because of its value for medicinal uses. Plant samples were cultivated in Periyar Maniammai University nursery under net house and the morphological, anatomical features of various plant parts of Costus igneus such as young root, leaf and rhizome were investigated in detail and demonstrated by illustrations. The total ash value, acid insoluble ash and water-soluble ash of rhizome were significantly (p<0.001) higher than stem and leaf. Moisture content, protein and carbohydrate were significantly higher in leaf. In Fluorescent analysis, leaf, stem and rhizome powder were treated with various chemicals and were studied under UV light and daylight. At present finding, Costus igneus have characteristic morphological, anatomical and proximate features that could be used to distinguish it from other members of the Costaceae family.