Page 96 - Pharmacognosy-I (02-06-06-102)

Corolla: Epigynous, polypetalous, formed of 4 petals which are
fragile, unexpanded membranous.
Androecium: tetradelphous, stamens; numerous; filaments: united
in 4 groups. Anthers: two pollen sacs, the connective has large oil
gland at apex.
Gynaeclium: inferior, syncarpous: formed of two carpels. The
ovary is bilocular, situated in the upper part of the hypanthium;
each loculus contains about 20 ovules attached to an axile placenta.
Style: erect, cylindrical.
Odour: Strong characteristic aromatic odour
Taste: Pungent and spicy, followed by slight numbness.
When the surface is scratched by finger nail, it exudes volatile oil.

Microscopic Characters:
Corolla:
Epidermis, thin walled polygonal cells; messophyll shows cluster
crystals of calcium oxalate and numerous oil glands.
Androecium:
Filament: Shows a central vascular strand, oil glands at intervals
beneath the epidermis and numerous cluster crystals of calcium
oxalate in short files.
Anther: shows a typical polygonal fibrous layer. The pollen
grains are biconvex with rounded edges appearing triangular in

121