Comparative Anatomical Studies on Selected Varieties of Piper betle Linn

Abstract

Piper betle Linn., a dioecious climber belonging to the Piperaceae family, is widely cultivated across tropical and subtropical regions for its medicinal and cultural importance. The plant exhibits significant diversity, with multiple varieties such as Sirugamani, Karpoori, Vellaikodi, Jaipur Bangla and hybrids. The present study investigates the comparative anatomy of six selected varieties of P. betle, focusing on leaf, stem and petiole morphology. Fresh and microtome sections were prepared using standard protocols and analysed under light microscopy with specific stains for starch, oils and secretory structures. Observations revealed key diagnostic features, including variations in trichome types, stomatal frequency, epidermal thickness, mucilage canals, secretory cells and calcium oxalate crystals. HY2 and Sirugamani varieties showed notable abundance of multicellular trichomes and higher stomatal densities, while Karpoori exhibited larger hypodermal cells and more mucilage canals. Petiole sections displayed distinctive vascular bundle arrangements and schizostely patterns. The findings provide baseline anatomical data useful for varietal identification, pharmacognostic characterisation and potential utilisation of P. betle in traditional and modern therapeutic applications.