Anatomical Study of Atriplex halimus L. (Guettaf) Growing under the Climatic Conditions of Biskra - Algeria

Abstract

Atriplex halimus L. Known as “Guettaf” (Amaranthaceae) is used in traditional medicine in Algeria to treat several diseases among them rheumatism and fever. The aim of this work was to study the anatomy of the Atriplex halimus L., growing under the climatic conditions of Biskra (north-east of Algeria). Atriplex halimus L., stem, leaf and root were harvested during the month of January (2019). Microscopic observation of the different organs revealed that the anatomy of this plant contains many more characters of xerophytism as the presence of thick cuticle, trichomes, perivascular sheath and much more hydrophilic cellulosic tissues (parenchyma and collenchymas) than hydrophobic lignified tissues, We can deduce that Atriplex halimus L., requires a high humidity which explains the great growth of this species under the climatic conditions of the region of Biskra.