Anatomical Review of Certain Carnations of North Caucasus

Abstract

The article provides an anatomical review of 32 species of the genus Dianthus L. representatives шт Caucasus, i.e. information about the anatomy of their stem. Most of the studied species have a narrow ecology and are confined to different altitudinal zones. The experience of the introduction of these species in the botanical garden of the Chechen State Pedagogical University of Grozny in the conditions of the steppe climate indicates wide ecological amplitude and potential adaptive capabilities of the species. The main limiting factor in the distribution of these species in natural conditions is probably their low competitiveness. Anatomical signs, apparently, do not have any taxonomic significance. The similarity of the anatomical structure of the stems of the Caucasus carnations is evident even in species that are well differentiated morphologically. Anatomical differences between them are mainly quantitative. The smallest taxonomic values for the anatomical features of carnations are the radial dimensions of the epidermal cells, the mechanical (sclerenchymal) ring, conducting system. The most significant for these purposes are the morphological features: the size of the calyx and capsule, the shape and degree of dissection of the lobule plate, the shape and size of the chaffs.