TY  - EJOU
AU  - Yang, Jingyuan 
AU  - Zhou, Jie 
AU  - Jin, Jiaojiao 
AU  - Li, Yi 
AU  - Zhang, Xia 
AU  - Li, Teng 
AU  - Zhang, Mengdi 
AU  - Cai, Xiaodong 
AU  - Yang, Chaodong 
AU  - Zhou, Cunyu 

TI  - Structural and Histochemical Features of the Slow-Growing Perennial <i>Coptis chinensis</i> Franch. (Ranunculaceae)
T2  - Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany

PY  - 2021
VL  - 90
IS  - 6
SN  - 1851-5657

AB  - Huanglian (<i>Coptis chinensis</i> Franch.) is a slow-growing perennial medicinal herb with considerable economic value. This study aimed to determine the structural characteristics and the levels of berberine deposits in the organs and tissues of Huanglian using light and epifluorescence microscopy. The adventitious roots are composed of primary and secondary structures with endodermis, exodermis, and phellem. The rhizome structures are composed of primary and secondary structures with cuticle and phellem. The leaves are composed of sclerenchymatous rings, isolateral mesophyll, and thin cuticles. We detected berberine in the xylem walls of the roots and rhizomes as well as in the sclerenchymatous rings of the petioles. We postulate that as the exodermis is developed, the deposition of berberine in the xylem closest to the root tips may affect water and nutrient absorption and transfer. Leaf blades had a thin cuticle and isolateral mesophyll, suggesting shade tolerance. These structural and histochemical features suggest that Huanglian is adapted to the slow growing nature of a shady environment.
KW  - Berberine deposition; <i>Coptis chinensis</i>; histochemistry; structure

DO  - 10.32604/phyton.2021.015533