Mohd Yunus, Noor Syaheera and Shahari, Rozilawati and Che Amri, Che Nurul Aini (2026) The morphology and leaf anatomy of the Melastoma sanguineum Sims. (Melastomataceae) at high elevation in Fraser Hill, Pahang. Revelation and Science, 1 (3). pp. 46-55. ISSN 2229-9645 E-ISSN 2229-9947
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Abstract
Melastoma sanguineum Sims. is a species found in high-elevation areas of Peninsular Malaysia, reaching altitudes of up to 2300 m. However, its limited visibility and accessibility have resulted in a lack of extensive research on its medicinal potential and other applications. As an introduction to this species, this study documents its morphological and leaf anatomical characteristics to aid in identification and classification. Field samples were collected from Fraser’s Hill, and a detailed morphological description was conducted. Melastoma sanguineum is characterized by sub-glabrous leaves, solitary flowers (occasionally 2–3 in a cyme), and a unique hypanthium indumentum with flexuous red bristles that are swollen-based and filiform-ended. Leaf anatomical analysis using microtome sectioning and light microscopy revealed taxonomically significant traits, including petiole and midrib outlines, vascular bundle patterns, trichomes, stomatal type, and the presence of druses. The petiole exhibits a main vascular bundle with a bicollateral arrangement, while the midrib contains two clusters of intraxylary phloem. These findings support the taxonomic placement of M. sanguineum within the genus Melastoma, while also revealing morphological differences at the species level compared with the three varieties of M. sanguineum and with the widespread species M. malabathricum. The identified anatomical characteristics provide additional diagnostic traits that can aid in species identification. Further studies comparing lowland and high-elevation populations are required to evaluate the extent of elevation-related morphological and leaf anatomical variation in M. sanguineum
| Item Type: | Article (Journal) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Melastoma sanguineum, leaf anatomy, taxonomic significance, Red-Melastoma, Fraser’s Hill |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QK Botany |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Plant Science |
| Depositing User: | Dr. Noor Syaheera Mohd Yunus |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Jun 2026 10:09 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Jun 2026 10:09 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-06-Q3791 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129523 |
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