Anatomy of Carlina corymbosa L., Carthamus dentatus Vahl. and Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Species of Carlina corymbosa L., Carthamus dentatus Vahl. and Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. are belonging to Asteraceae family. The purpose of the study is to determine the anatomical structures of these species in the same tribe and to compare the features. Samples of root, stem and leaf of each species were collected, fixed and examined using a light microscope. In addition, some anatomical features were measured. Secondary growth was observed in the root cross section of each species. Secretory ducts were determined in all species. While the pith is filled with xylem elements in C. corymbosa and C. dentatus, the pith of P. acarna consists of different shaped parenchyma cells. Periderm was observed in the stem in all species. All species contain bicollateral vascular bundles in stem. In all species, glandular and nonglandular trichomes were observed on the leaf cross section, on the surface of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. While C. corymbosa has dorsiventral mesophyll, unifacial mesophyll is observed in other species. There is bicollateral vascular bundle in C. corymbosa whereas collateral vascular bundle was identified in C. dentatus and P. acarna. Also, C. corymbosa and C. dentatus have only one vascular bundle in the midrib but P.acarna has three vascular bundles.