Evaluation of soil edaphic factors, morphology and comparison of phenolic compounds in vegetative and reproductive organs of Periploca aphylla Decne

Periploca aphylla is an evergreen plant and resistance to drought stress, which can grow in harsh environmental conditions in hot and dry areas of southern Kerman province, therefore, it plays an important role in preserving the environment as well as soil. In this study, soil ecological factors of plant distribution areas, plant morphology, and comparison of some antioxidant compounds in different plant organs were studied. The results showed that the plant distribution area possesses sandy, non-saline soils with neutral to slightly alkaline acidity and contains a good amount of macronutrients and micronutrients. The presence of relatively thick perianth with abundant hairs, in this plant, shows the adaptive properties to harsh environmental conditions. The released pollen grains from anther are tetrad and are bonded together by viscous materials to form pollinia. The gynoecium is a two-carpel that initially, the carpels are partially connected to each other and form two follicles fruits that develop at an angle of 180 degrees to each other. The highest total phenol and flavonoid content was observed in seeds and the highest total anthocyanin content was observed in flowers. Comparing the 8 phenolic compounds identified in different parts of the plant, the predominant phenolic compounds in shoots and seeds are hesperidin, in flowers and immature fruits, chlorogenic acid, and in mature fruits, Gallic acid. Comparing plant phenolic compounds, hesperidin and vanillin had the highest and lowest values, respectively. With respect to the fact that the various organs of this plant are rich in phenolic compounds; therefore, this plant species is introduced for use in the pharmaceutical industry.