The anatomical and micromorphological properties of three endemic and medicinal Salvia species (Lamiaceae) in Erzincan (Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, we comparatively investigated three endemic Salvia species spreading in Erzincan (Turkey) in terms of anatomy and micromorphology. For anatomical investigation, cross sections taken from stems and leaves of the species were examined under light microscope. For micromorphological investigation, epidermal surface and nutlet structure were examined using scanning electron microscopy. The S. euphratica and S. divaricata species were examined anatomically and micromorphologically for the first time, and S. hypargea was examined micromorphologically for the first time. In anatomical examinations, it was seen that stem and leaf structures of the species were similar. In micromorphological analyses, it has been seen that hairiness of the nutlet surface and nutlet ornamentations (verrucate and rugose type) created a difference between the species.

Keywords:

• Anatomy
• micromorphology
• endemic
• nutlet
• Salvia
• medicinal plant
• Erzincan
• Turkey

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Basic Sciences Research and Applied Center of Balikesir University (BUTAM) for SEM studies.