This recent study aimed to determine the anatomical and biochemical aspects of the species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The leaf vertical section revealed it has two sides, with the leaf mesophyll tissue comprising two layers: the palisade layer, a row of compact, elongated cells located under the upper epidermis tissue, and the spongy tissue, which appeared to be lobed with intercellular spaces. The epidermal examination showed the stomata on the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf. The stomata were of two types; the first was paracytic, characterized by two guard cells surrounding the stomatal opening and parallel to the walls of the cells. The second type of stomata was tetracytic, wherein the stomata have four subsidiary cells surrounding them. The biochemical screening of Zamioculcas zamiifolia leaves revealed they are poisonous to humans and animals due to the presence of high levels of oxalate, cycasin glucoside, β-methylamino-L-alanine, and methylazoxymethanol, as observed through HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) analysis.
Z. zamiifolia, anatomical, biochemical, stomata, organic acids, amino acids
The species Z. zamiifolia specimens incurred studies through leaf cross-section, leaf epidermis, and HPLC analysis. Z. zamiifolia is popular as being palatable and having medicinal properties based on its biochemical composition and pharmacological developments.