Histological observation of Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell) in different ecosystems of Terengganu

Abstract

A histological and anatomical comparative analysis of Gelam, Melaleuca cajuputi Powell was conducted to determine the adaptability Gelam (Melaleuca cajuputi Powell, Family = Myrtaceae) in two different micro-ecosystems of Terengganu. The sites sampling chosen were Jambu Bongkok Amenity Forest (Formerly known as Rantau Abang Amenity Forest), a large swamp forests and prominent flooding site in the  District of Marang, Terengganu and Taman Penyelidikan Alam, Bukit Kor  - a hard top soil area of Marang, Terengganu. The objective of this study is to compare the anatomy and histology features of gelam in these two areas. Results show that gelam from both ecosystems exhibits  morphological differences and variations in some tissues (in leaf, petiole, bark, and root anatomy such as in type of epicuticular waxes, bark anatomy, leaf anatomy, vascular bundle, bark fibre pits, vessel, phloem, xylem, cortex, epidermal cells and mesophyll cells). This initial observation may suggest that gelam can adapt well in different ecosystems of Terengganu. Its ability to response well toward Terengganu’s different coastal environmental changes could make gelam a viable tree for conservation and landscape program.

Keywords: Melaleuca cajuputi Powell, Gelam; anatomy; histology; microscopy; Terengganu