Abstract

• The Gnetum gnemon L. is an indigenous plant from Thaninthayi Region. The specimens were collected from Ye-Phyu Township, during July 2018 to January 2019. Its aerial parts such as leaves, strobili and seeds are used by local people for food. The main purpose of this study was to examine the morphological and histology of the leaves, stems, roots and seeds of Gnetum gnemon L. The morphological features were described. The specimens were evergreen dioecious small trees, the leaves were simple, opposite, lanceolate to elliptic, and exstipulate. The male strobilus has 5-9 involucral collars, each collar contains 3-6 male flowers, stamen 1, adnate to the base of perianth, anther bifid. The female strobilus was 5-9 collars, each collars with 3-6 female flowers, without perianth, orthotropous ovule, pendulous placentation. The seeds were large and drupe. The distinguished histological characters of Gnetum gnemon L. revealed paracytic type of stomata in lower surface view of lamina only, pitted non lignified tracheary elements occurred in both surface view of lamina, cortex region of petiole, midrib and stem as well as in roots. Asterosclereids are commonly found in the whole plant parts except T.S of lamina. The vascular bundles in T.S of stem are collateral and close type. In addition, starch containing parenchymatous cells is found only in phelloderm region of mature roots. Moreover, the seed coat comprises sarcotesta, sclerotesta and inner endotesta regions. Underneath the seed coat is the endosperm containing starch grains and proteinaceous globules.