Anatomical, Palynological and Achene Micromorphological Characteristics of Cousinia boissieri Buhse (Sect. Leiocaules, Asteraceae) Growing in Turkey

Abstract

Cousinia boissieri Buhse, belonging to section Leiocaules Bunge, is biennial or perennial herbaceous usually growing dry, stony slopes and steppe in the Iran, Turkey and Iraq. In present study, the micromorphological, anatomical and palynological features of this species have been examined. In addition, distribution map and coloured photographs of Cousinia boissieri are presented. Number of cortex cells, number of vascular bundles in midrib and midrib shape are found to be significant characters. Pollen grains are tricolporate aperture and prolate-spheroidal shape. Scanning Electron Microscopy investigations showed that exine sculpturing pattern of pollen grains is verrucate. Pollen features can be useful character for separating to species belonging to Cousinia genus. Morever in this study first time of a species belonging to Cousinia genus is examined achenes micromorphological and surface ornamentation of achene coat is found as reticulate. This micromorphologic features of achene can be used for taxonomic purposes.

Palyno‐taxonomic approach through light and scanning electron microscopy for the identification of herbaceous Asteraceae species from Sikaram Mountain Pak‐Afghan border

“…Taxonomists studied pollen morphology as a tool in the identification and classification of Asteraceae and for its taxonomic value (Anar et al, 2022; Ayaz et al, 2020; Gonçalves‐Esteves et al, 2022; Khan et al, 2021; Ulukuş, 2019; Ulukuş & Tugay, 2020). Pollen morphology is not only playing an effective role in systematic value but, they are also helpful for taxonomic delimitation, which is associated with Asteraceous taxa (Kailas et al, 2016).…”