Morpho-anatomy features as potential identification characteristics of selected limestone gingers in Kelantan

Abstract

Zingiberaceae are found to be growing in limestone areas. A study was conducted in Kelantan, Malaysia to determine the morpho-anatomical differences between limestone ginger species. Selected non-limestone ginger species were also included in the analysis to compare and verify the spatial variation and influence on the morpho-anatomical features of the same species. Collected fresh specimens from five different areas (limestone and non-limestone areas) were sliced into thin layers (leaf, root, rhizome and pseudostem parts) and stained with methylene blue by means of light microscopy. A total of 11 species were recorded in limestone and non-limestone areas. The morphology of Zingiber spectabile and Alpinia javanica was compared as the species recorded at both limestone and non-limestone areas. The morphology of ginger species from different areas shows no variation. The morphological characteristics are as stated in the ginger species identification keys and pictorial books. However, the comparison of the anatomical characteristics reveals differences in terms of size of vascular bundle, leaf vein and cell wall thickness that can be used as potential identification for limestone gingers. The differences occurred due to the adaptation of the nutrient limited limestone habitat. This study has proven that anatomical characteristics of gingers can be used as an attribute in plant identification characteristics.