Morphology and Anatomical study of Oxalis corniculata L

Abstract The genus Oxalis corniculata L. belongs to family Oxalidaceae found in india. Commonly known as Creeping Oxalis as in English.). This plant is well known for its medicinal value as a good appetizer and as a remover of kapha, vata and pitta. It cures dysentery, diarrhea and skin diseases (Raghvendra et al., 2006) Decoction of roots is useful for worms and giddiness (Kirtikar and Basu,1975). The goal of this study was to examine morphology; the results of the microscopical and epidermal investigations showed that stomata Anomocytic were present. The study's findings were helpful in determining the species' pharmacogenetic characteristics. Decoctions of roots are also employed in the treatment of worms and giddiness. Despite its wide ethnobotanical applications, systematic morphological and anatomical studies on this plant remain limited. The present investigation was undertaken to provide a detailed account of the plant’s external morphology and internal anatomical features with a focus on pharmacognostic characterization. Morphological observations included assessments of roots, stems, leaves, stipules, flowers, and fruiting structures, while anatomical analysis was performed through transverse sections, maceration techniques, and epidermal studies using light microscopy. The results revealed key diagnostic features such as creeping, pubescent stems, trifoliate leaves with obovate hairy leaflets, and yellow subumbellate cymes. Microscopical examinations confirmed the presence of anomocytic (Ranunculaceous) stomata on both surfaces (amphistomatic), unicellular trichomes, and distinctive xylem, phloem, and parenchymatous tissues. Epidermal analysis further highlighted variations in stomatal size, index, and subsidiary cell arrangement. These findings provide valuable pharmacognostic markers that may aid in the authentication, identification, and future pharmacological evaluation of Oxalis corniculata L. The study contributes to bridging the gap between traditional medicinal knowledge and modern scientific validation of this important ethnomedicinal species.