Seed Germination, Foliar Vestiture and Stem Anatomical Features of Urena lobata L. (Malvaceae): An Ethnobotanical and/or Ethnomedicinal Plant Genetic Resource in Nigeria

The seed germination enhancement, foliar vestiture studies and stem anatomical features of Urena lobata L. were investigated against the backdrop of its ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal applications. Results show that the plant branches profusely thus yielding much of the vegetative parts used for various purposes. Germination of the seeds was enhanced by mechanical scarification and sulphuric acid treatments and the acid treatment elicited greater effects than the mechanical scarification. Leaf morphology especially the type and depth of lobes varied within the species while stellate and sharply pointed trichomes were observed on the abaxial and adaxial foliar surfaces. The possible roles of the glandular trichomes as secretory receptors of the active ingredients that impart medicinal efficacy to the plant were highlighted. Anatomical investigations of the stem showed that while the petiole is glabrous, the stem was covered with sharply pointed trichomes