Comparative anatomical survey of Cyclamen L. (Primulaceae) taxa and their traditional medicinal uses in Turkey.

Abstract

The genus Cyclamen is native to Turkey, where it is represented by 12 perennial tuberous geophytic taxa. In this study, a detailed anatomical description of all Cyclamen taxa found in Turkey is provided for the first time. Tuber, root, petiole, and leaf cross-sections were stained with Astra blue and safranin, and tuber slides were also stained with sartur. Tubers of these taxa used by local people as a treatment for infertility were separately investigated. Stomatal index values and epidermis cell features of the studied taxa were measured. Indumentum features of the leaves were described for the first time. Petiole and leaf anatomy and particularly stomatal density, size, and index, provided valuable evidence for species identification. Although the anatomical features of these taxa are not sufficient as diagnostic characters, they can be used together with morphological features.