Justicia gendarussa (BURM F.) (WILLOW-LEAVED Justicia) FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY

Acanthaceae or the Acanthus family has been commonly used by local peoples as traditional medicines, especially in PeninsularMalaysia. Justicia gendarussa, also known ‘daun rusa’ ‘genda rusa,’ treats inflammatory disorders, asthma, hepatic injuries,arthritis, and digestion problems. Many taxonomists nowadays struggle to identify species due morphologicalsimilarities incomplete parts during identification process. Other than that, there no comprehensive study ofJusticia gendarussa leaf anatomy date. Therefore, this aims describe leaf’s anatomical micromorphologicalcharacteristics that would be useful plant species. The involved several methods such ascross-section using a sliding microtome observation under light microscope. While micromorphology methodinvolved scanning electron microscope (SEM) of epidermis abaxial adaxial surfaces. Theresult showed presence collenchyma, sclerenchyma, mucilage cells petiole midrib. patternsof midrib vascular bundles were described main bundle (opened system with continuous rings thevascular bundle) two additional located above right left near eachwing. cystolith are present parenchyma cortex while glandular non-glandular trichomeswere recorded studied. In conclusion, data for can supplement gendarussa.