Study on morphology and anatomical characteristic of Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. in Vietnam

Abstract

    Opuntia ficus-indica is known as a multi-purpose plant since it can be used for human food (fruits  and  vegetables), forage, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, and as  defensive hedges  or  for  erosion  control  in  reclaimed  areas. In Vietnam, Opuntia ficus-indica imported from Mexico was researched and planted in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan Province. The plant has water stems to store water for plants, carry many knob without thorns, have long growing cover. In the body, scattered in the soft tissue of the shell contains large cells of circular or elliptical cells that store water. Early growth of the plant structure of the second level, anatomical structure of two regions, epidermis with thick cutin layer, thick round tissue developed into continuous ring, soft shell shell contains many crystals calcium oxalate spherical. The central cylinder occupies a large proportion of the microsurgery, the tissue system has a discrete posterior pattern. The roots are deep and widespread, adapting to clay functions in sandy soils and absorbing water under very rare water conditions. Early growth of secondary structure, thin shell without endosperm, pulp with developmental system, wood bundle 1 and soft tissue.