Comparative leaf anatomical studies of Acinos species (Labiatae) from Turkey

Abstract

A comparative study was undertaken on the leaves of six Acinos taxa in order to assess anatomical variations which may be a useful feature to identify each one and to evaluate their significance for the taxonomy of the genus. All species have glandular and non-glandular trichomes, diacytic stomata, and dorsiventral leaves. The results of this survey show that trichomes not only are different in cell numbers within the species but also in density. When transverse sections are compared, some differences in their midrib shapes, the protruding midrib, the number of palisade and spongy layers and upper anticlinal epidermal wall may provide interesting starting points for the characterisation of the species.