[Morphological, microscopical and UV spectral identification of herba visci ovalifolii].
OBJECTIVE
To identify herba Visci ovalifolii, Chinese medicinal materials used in Li and Miao nationalities.


METHODS
Morphological, microscopical and UV spectral methods.


RESULTS
Dichotomous branch with a yellow surface, with leaf of 3-5 acrodromous veins originating at the base of the leaf. In transverse section, the thick outer wall of the epidermis of stem projecting like nipple; stone cells contain frequently a prismatic crystal of calcium oxalate, often occur in the cortex and phloem of the stem. Pericycle fibres and xylem fibres all with a well-developed thick wall; vessels with a bordered pits somtimes have a spiral thickened interwall; mesophyll homogeneous contain cluster crystals (not calcium oxalate); stomata present on both surfaces, mostly paracrytic, with small and narrow subsidiary cells. Hairs absent at the surface.


CONCLUSIONS
Above morphological and microscopical characters may be used for the identification of herba Visci ovalifolii. UV spectral method is a simple identificating method for herba Visci ovalifolii.
Luo
J
J
Guangdong College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou 510224.
Zhang
D
D
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry*; D019441:Plant Epidermis / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D018547:Plant Stems / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000737:chemistry; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D028181:Viscum / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000737:chemistry
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal