Foliar Micromorphology and Anatomy of Five Mediterranean Enclaves in Artvin (Turkey)

Aim of study: We aimed to investigate leaf micromorphology including venation types, and petiole and leaf blade anatomical characteristics of five woody/scrubs Mediterranean enclaves (Cotinus coggygria Scop., Rhus coriaria L., Arbutus andrachne L., Punica granatum L. and Jasminum fruticans L.) in this study. Area of study: Artvin Province has three distinct climate types. The species studied were collected from natural habitats in Artvin, where Mediterranean climate type occurs. Material and methods: Leaves of five species were evaluated micromorphologically and anatomically by using stereomicroscopy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Main results: Two species have imparipinnately compound leaves, while three have simple ones. Four venation types were determined in the species. C. coggygria has channeled anticlinal walls of adaxial epidermal cells and A. andrachne has striate cuticular ornamentation in the abaxial surfaces. Differently from others, R. coriaria and J. fruticans have glandular trichomes, and P. granatum has bicollateral vascular bundle. Secretory canals and druses crystals were detected in some investigated species. Most of the species have hypostomatic leaf type, but J. fruticans has amphistomatic one. The highest stomata number and indices per mm2 were observed in P. granatum, while the lowest values were found in J. fruticans. Research highlights: Among the species examined, Punica granatum with the highest stomatal number and indices per mm2, narrowed and deciduous leaf with epicuticular wax composition has probably distinctive adaptive strategies to water deficiency and xerophytic habitats