Cellular Dynamics in Passiflora tarminiana: Insights from Histological Investigations

The objective of the study was to investigate the visible and microscopic features of Passiflora tarminiana fruit. The plant specimen was collected in May 2023 from Ooty, The Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu. The evaluation was carried out using macroscopy, microscopy and histochemical tests. The fruit's characteristic components were identified by dissecting it and their structures were visually documented through photographs. Macroscopy revealed the fruit's sensory properties while microscopy showed the presence of oil globules, stone cells, simple pitted, reticulated and spiral vessels and cluster crystals from the seeds. In histochemical tests, cutin, alkaloid, lignin, mucilage, oil globules and tannins were observed in different regions of the pericarp. Cutin, aleurone grains and oil droplets were observed in various regions of the seed. The analysis of macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical features was found to be the first step in determining the quality, identity and purity of plant material that will be used in formulating a natural medicine. Additionally, the findings will be useful in distinguishing different species of Passiflora.