CHAPTER Vin
FRUITS There is great variation in the structure of fruits, such a variation, in fact, that no one fruit has a structure typical of all the other fruits. Each fruit, however, has a pericarp and one or more seeds. The amount and structure of the cells forming the pericarp and the seeds of fruits differ in different fruits, but for each fruit there is a normal amount of, and a characteristic, cellular structure.
Nearly all the important medicinal fruits are cremocarps or imibelliferous fruits. The plan of structure of cremocarps is similar, but they all have a different cellular structure. The epidermis may be simple or modified as papillae or hairs. The secretion cavities may be absent (coniimi), or, when present, variable in number — cultivated celery seed has six, wild celery seed up to twelve, and anise up to twenty. The vascular bundles may be large or small. The endocarp cells may be two or more layers in thickness. The spermoderm may be thin or thick.
The endosperm cells may vary in size and the cell contents may vary.
CELERY FRUIT The fruit of celery (Plate 121), like other umbelliferous fruits, is composed of the pericarp and the seed. The pericarp is composed of epicarp cells, mesocarp cells, endocarp cells, and in each rib a vascular bundle. The seed is composed of the spermoderm, endosperm, and embryo. Each of these parts has a characteristic structure.
Epicarp. The cells of the epicarp (Fig. i) are papillae and the outer wall is striated. The papillae do not show, however, unless the cell is cut across the centre, which is the point at which the papillae are located.
Mesocarp. In the rib part of the mesocarp (Fig. 2) is a vascular bundle, and between the ribs one or more secretion cavities. The vascular bundles are small and are surrounded by irregular-shaped mesocarp cells. The secretion cavities (Fig. 7) are oval in form and the tissue bordering the cavity is reddish brown in color. The mesocarp cells around the secretion cavities are more elongated than the other mesocarp cells.
Endocarp. The endocarp cells are three layers in thickness. These cells are elongated transversely (Fig. 4).
Spermoderm. The cells of the spermoderm are indistinct, compressed, and dark brown in color (Fig. 5).
Endosperm. The endosperm cells (Fig. 6) make up the greater part of the fruit. The walls which are common to two cells are thick, non-beaded, and non-pitted, and the cavities of the cells are filled with aleurone grains.
Embryo. The embryo cells, which show only in certain sections, are similar to endosperm cells.
In anise, hops, sumac, and cumin fruits are characteristic hairs. In star anise, sabal, allspice, cubeb, pepper, jumper, buckthorn, and Phytolacca fruits are stone cells. In cubeb, pepper, and cardamon are characteristic masses of aggregate starch. In sabal, allspice, and juniper are characteristic secretion cells. In all the umbelliferous fruits, with the exception of conium, are yellow to brown secretion cavities. In cubeb and pepper is aggregate starch. Colocynth contains many single and double spiral vessels. Bitter orange contains solitary crystals and spongy parenchyma.
When studying fruits we must consider the nature of the epicarp cells — whether simple or modified as papillae or hairs; the form and structure of the mesocarp cells; the number, size, and structure of the vascular bundle; the size and number of the secretion cells or cavities; the number of layers and the structure of the endocarp cells; the number of layers of stone cells — when present; the color and width of the spermoderm layer; the structure and cell contents of the endosperm cells; the nature of the embryo cells, and the nature of the cell contents.
<Callout type="important" title="Important">Understanding these structures is crucial for identifying and utilizing medicinal fruits effectively.</Callout>
<Callout type="risk" title="Risk">Misidentification can lead to incorrect treatment or even poisoning. Always cross-reference with other sources before use.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- The pericarp and seed are the main components of celery fruits.
- Endocarp cells have a characteristic three-layer structure.
- Mesocarp cells can vary in form, with some containing secretion cavities.
Practical Tips
- Always cross-reference plant identification to avoid misidentification and potential poisoning.
- Utilize the characteristic structures of different parts of the fruit for accurate identification.
- Understand the cellular structure to better extract and utilize medicinal properties.
Warnings & Risks
- Misidentification can lead to incorrect treatment or even poisoning. Always cross-reference with other sources before use.
- The presence of secretion cavities and stone cells in some fruits can pose risks if not properly identified.
- Understanding the cellular structure is crucial but requires careful study; misinterpretation could result in ineffective treatments.
Modern Application
While the detailed cellular structures described in this chapter are still relevant for accurate identification, modern techniques such as DNA analysis and digital imaging have improved the speed and accuracy of plant identification. This knowledge remains essential for ensuring safe and effective use of medicinal plants in emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the papillae on celery fruit cells?
The papillae on celery fruit cells are important as they can be identified when cut across their center, aiding in accurate identification. This characteristic helps differentiate celery from other similar plants.
Q: How do the secretion cavities in celery fruits differ between cultivated and wild varieties?
Cultivated celery seeds have six secretion cavities, while wild celery seeds can have up to twelve, and anise seeds may have up to twenty. These differences are crucial for accurate identification.
Q: What is the role of the spermoderm in celery fruit structure?
The spermoderm cells in celery fruits are thin, compressed, and dark brown in color. They play a critical role in the reproductive process but also contribute to the overall cellular structure.