LEAF EPIDERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MEDICINAL Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Vernonia amygdalina Delile (ASTERACEAE) AND Clitoria ternatea L. (FABACEAE)

A study on leaf anatomical characteristics was undertaken three medicinal plants species, Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Vernonia amygdalina Delile and Clitoria ternatea L. It is found that there are variables in epidermal features such as anticlinal wall patterns, stomata types, trichome the occurrence of secretory structures. Results showed slight variation which is, sinuous abaxial surfaces straight to wavy adaxial prostrata, both amygdalina, ternatea, two types stomata, anomocytic paracytic six trichomes recorded simple multicellular (short stalk – blunted tip), (echinate ornamentation, pointed unicellular irregular T-shaped glandular long elongated terminal), capitate terminal) peltate glandular. Secretory cells were observed amygdalina. The these species has been widely used herbal preparation, however, not enough information nor a comprehensive done anatomy species. Therefore, this aimed provide additional knowledge more detailed Eclipta, contributes systematic data available.