Morphology

of Plants
LABORATORY A - GROUP 2
BS BIOLOGY - GENERAL BOTANY
Jasminum sambac
( “Sampaguita” or
“Jasmine”)
Jasminum sambac commonly known as Sampaguita
was declared as the national flower by Governor-General
Frank Murphy in 1934.
Its white flower is believed to symbolize purity, fidelity,
and hope.
It has a pantropical distribution and is commonly
cultivated in the country for ornamental purposes.
The sweet-smelling flowers are often made into garlands
and perfumery.
There are more than 10 species of Jasminum in the
Philippines and 8 species are considered endemic and
are not found elsewhere in the world.
Jasminum sambac
( “Sampaguita” or
“Jasmine”)

Sampaguita is a smooth, spreading or sprawling

shrub that rarely grows taller than 2 meters. They
have short stalks, a sharp or blunt tip, and a pointy
or round base. Flowers are white and very fragrant,
and they appear single or in groups of three on
axillary or terminal inflorescences. There are two
stamens, and the ovary has two cells. The double
form, known as "kampupot," is less fragrant.
Modifications (Roots)
(1) What type of root system is
exhibited by your plant
sample/specimen?

Jasmine plants, like many other plants,

primarily have fibrous and shallow root
systems which means their roots are
tiny, dense, and branching. This type of
root help with nutrient and water
absorption. Jasmine roots serve the
typical functions of anchoring the plant,
providing support, and facilitating the
uptake of water and nutrients from the
soil.
 Modifications (Roots)
(2) Examine your root sample and
identify the type of modification it
exhibits.

stem Root hairs greatly expand the surface

area available for absorbing water and
nutrients.

root hairs Root caps serve as a protective structure

for the delicate, actively growing apical
root cap
meristem at the tip of the root. The
fibrous roots
meristem is a region of rapidly dividing
cells that contribute to root growth.
Modifications (Stem)
(3) What type of stem does your plant
specimen exhibit?

The Sampaguita plant (Jasminum

sambac) typically has a herbaceous
stem. Herbaceous stems are non-woody
and are often green and flexible. In the
case of Sampaguita, the plant is a shrub
with green, slender, and relatively
flexible stems. These stems contain
chlorophyll and are capable of
herbaceous stem photosynthesis.
Modifications (Stem)
(4) Does your stem show any
modification? If so, what type of
modification?
The Jasmine plant, particularly
Jasminum sambac, is characterized by a
twining or climbing stem modification.
This type of stem modification allows the
plant to climb and twine around
supporting structures such as trellises,
fences, or other vegetation. This helps
the plant access sunlight and reach
twining stem greater heights for pollination and
dispersal of fragrant flowers.
 Modifications (Leaves)
(5) classify if your leaf sample.
no stipules

Simple - each leaf is a single, undivided

structure without leaflets.

Petiolate - a stalk-like structure that

petiole connects the leaf blade to the stem. This
allows the leaf to be positioned for optimal
exposure to sunlight.

Extipulate - meaning it lacks stipules.

simple leaf
Modifications (Leaves)
(6) Describe your leaf sample based on
the overall shape of blade, shape of
apex, shape of edge or margin, and
shape of base.

Shape of the Blade (Lamina): The blade of

Sampaguita leaves is usually elliptical or
ovate, meaning it is wider in the middle and
tapering towards both ends.

Shape of Apex (Leaf Tip): The apex of

Sampaguita leaves is typically acute,
meaning it comes to a pointed or sharp tip.
Modifications (Leaves)
(6) Describe your leaf sample based on
the overall shape of blade, shape of
apex, shape of edge or margin, and
shape of base.

Shape of Margin (Leaf Edge): The margin of

Sampaguita leaves is usually entire, which
means it is smooth and not serrated or
toothed.

Shape of Base: The base of Sampaguita

leaves is usually rounded.
Modifications (Leaves)

(7) What type of venation is exhibited

by your leaf sample?

The venation of Sampaguita (Jasminum

sambac) leaves is typically characterized as
being pinnate. Pinnate venation is a type of
venation pattern where the veins extend
outward from a central main vein,
resembling the structure of a feather.
Modifications (Leaves)

(8) Give or describe the phyllotaxy of

your specimen.

Sampaguita typically exhibits an opposite

phyllotaxy, where pairs of leaves are
attached at the stem nodes in opposite
positions. In other words, at each node along
the stem, there are two leaves positioned
directly across from each other.
Modifications (Leaves)

(9) What type of modification does it

exhibit?

Fragrant flowers
Small size and Compact Growth Habit
Opposite Phyllotaxy
Evergreen Nature
Adaptability
Drought Tolerance
Medicinal Uses