Limoniastrum monopetalum (L.) Boiss, a Candidate plant for use in Urban and suburban Areas with Adverse Conditions. An Anatomical and Histochemical Study.

Abstract

Limoniastrum monopetalum L. is an interesting small shrub native to Greece and other Mediterranean countries with an attractive foliage, and blooming in the summer with pink flowers. In this work an anatomical and hystochemical study of the species were carried out in order to investigate the suitability of the L. monopetalum for use in urban and suburban areas as ornamental plant and its growth in hostile environments such as archeological sites, roof gardens, landscape restoration (e.g. quarries, roadsides, etc.). The results showed that the leaves of L. monopetalum are amphistomatic bifacial with leaf blade approx. 170 μm thick. The epidermal cells is relatively thick approximately 20 μm and covered by a 2 μm thick cuticle. Furthermore both surfaces of the leaves are entirely covered by salt crystals secreted by the salt glands, as this is revealed from fresh unprocessed specimens observed with the SEM.The histochemical tests showed the presence of terpenoids in the cell walls of the epidermal cells and in the leaf vascular tissues, phenolics, nitrites and alkaloids, flavonoids in the mesophyll cells, especially in the vacuoles, and lipids only in the cuticle. Both morphological anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the leaves indicate the xeromorphic character of the species which render L. monopetalum a suitable plant for ornamental use in a wide spectrum of areas with adverse conditions

In Vitro Propagation and NaCl Tolerance of the Multipurpose Medicinal Halophyte Limoniastrum monopetalum

“…Halophytes adapt to salinity through complex mechanisms of avoidance, evasion, or adaptation processes and tolerance (Breckle, 2002). L. monopetalum adsorbs salts and then secretes them through salt glands found on its leaves, a strategy that makes it a typical halophyte (Akoumianaki-Ioannidou et al, 2015). Several halophytes deal with frequent changes in salinity level and synthesize several bioactive molecules (primary and secondary metabolites) that display potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, and antitumoral activities (Ksouri et al, 2012).…”

“…L. monopetalum is adapted to water deficits, high light intensity, and high temperatures (Neves et al, 2008), and it is capable of growing on soil poor in organic matter (Salama, 2007), which could be attributed to various structural and chemical characteristics that provide defense and protection (Akoumianaki-Ioannidou et al, 2015). Its ecological value as a sand accumulator, salt-tolerant, and wind-breaker (Salama, 2007) should not be ignored.…”