Study on the anatomy of the root and the localization of the oil in Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash

The morphological and anatomical characteristics of the root of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash, are described with special reference to the localization of the essential oil. Free-hand cross sections treated with Gueguein's specific oil stain revealed that most of the oil is stored in the cell layer close to the endodermis. A very little quantity is also found in the remaining cortical parenchyma, while a complete absence of oil was observed in the stele.