Pharmacognostic examination of Cyclamen persicum Mill. leaf lamina taken from neoformations differentiated from cellular cultures.

In the course of research on somatic embryogenesis of Cyclamen persicum Mill. we began a morphological study on the surface of the leaf obtained in vitro using optic microscopy and scanning electronic methods. Neoformations from suspended cellular cultures non treated with phytoregulators were observed, and in 60-90 days they formed a complete small plant. The structures observed in the neoformations in this case are similar to those reported in the bibliography for organogenesis directed by somatic tissues. Three types of capitate glandular trichomes became evident, namely Ia, Ib and II. The glandular hairs of Ia and Ib possess two secreting cells - of lengthened form in Ia and roundish in Ib. Type II possesses only one secreting cell, of roundish form. All types have a neck cell with cutinized walls, a short stalk cell and a basal cell. On the leaf margin there are recurring multicell formations of globular type, analogous to those to be found on the lamina of the plant in vivo. Histochemical investigation showed the presence of phenolic and polysaccharid substances in the trichomes, whereas the contemporary presence of proteinic and phenolic substances was evident in the globular formations.