Physalis minima L. (Solanaceae) is an important medicinal plant distributed throughout the various regions of India and useful as a source of Ayurvdic medicine. In the present investigation an attempt was made to study the anatomy of various organs and  histochemical localization of various substances viz., calcium oxalate, lignin, suberin, lipids etc. The salient anatomical features are useful in solving taxonomic problems. They have importance in identification of crude drugs from this taxon.

Effects of different concentrations of Nickel sulphate and Lead acetate on germination, root and shoot growth, dry weight and changes in content of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, total sugar and protein of this plant was also studied. The study shows that the lower concentration of nickel has no effect or beneficial effect but application of higher level of nickel has an adverse effect. Lead acetate reduced the percentage of germination, root and shoot length and dry weight of root and shoot. The content of total chlorophyll, carotenoids, sugar and protein were also affected by Lead and their contents were decreased.

Key Words ;  Anatomy,  Nickel and  Lead,  Seedlings,  Physalis minima L.