Due to the inconsistencies in the interpretation of laticifers within the Apocynaceae, the current study aimed to distinguish, for the first time, the type and distribution of the laticifers in the embryos, seedlings and adult plants of Tabernaemontana ventricosa (Forest Toad tree). The characterization and distribution of laticifers were determined using light and electron microscopy. The findings revealed the presence of articulated anastomosing laticifers. The laticifers were found to have originated from ground meristematic and procambium cells and were randomly distributed in all ground and vascular tissue, displaying complex branching conformations. The presence of chemical constituents within the laticifers and latex determined by histochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, neutral lipids, terpenoids, mucilage, pectin, resin acids, carboxylated polysaccharides, lipophilic, and hydrophilic substances and proteins. These secondary metabolites perform an indispensable role in preventing herbivory, hindering and deterring micro-organisms and may possibly have medicinal importance. The outcomes of the present study outlined the first micromorphology, anatomy, ultrastructural and chemical analysis of the laticifers of T. ventricosa. In addition, this investigation similarly established the probable functions of latex and laticifers.
Keywords: alkaloids; anastomosing; articulated; latex; laticifers.