Anatomical analysis of red Juniper leaf (Juniperus oxycedrus) taken from Kopaonik Mountain, Serbia

Abstract

In this study, the anatomical characteristics of Juniperus oxycedrus (Cupressaceae) leaves from Kopaonik Mountain (Serbia) are analysed. The level of distinction between leaves taken from various altitudes (420-1420 m) was determined by analysing anatomical characters. The clear correlation between increase in altitude and change in anatomical characters of the leaves was not established by descriptive analysis. The leaves collected from plants growing at 620 m had the most prominent xeromorphic characteristics (thick cuticles and thick epidermis walls). The discriminant canonical analysis also showed a clear distinction between red common juniper from 420 m and the samples taken from different altitudes.