Accumulations and Distribution of Starch in Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu ) Stems

Abstract

 Anatomical characteristics of starch accumulations and distribution in sago palm (Metroxylon sagu) stems of different ages of were investigated by a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Starch grains, which were elliptical or a bean-like shape and approximately 5-50 µm in diameter, were often observed in ground parenchymatous tissue at the outskirts of vascular bandle. They varied in size with palm age or height, in particular, starch diameter and their content began to increase in correspondence with the palm age. Furthermore, large medullary cavities developed in the all around of the ground tissue and there were not any starch grain in the cavities.