Abstract
This study was carried out to compare the morphological features of the floral and shoot systems of Heliotropium digynum that were collected from different locations in the central region of Saudi Arabia. Heliotropium digynum is a member of Boraginaceae family. The plant is a shrub that has an ecological importance. The height of the plant differs from one population to another and the difference in length of the inflorescences can be attributed to environmental factors, such as rainfall or type of soil and temperature. These plants can grow in different temperature zones (including temperate and warm), and in arid regions, flourishes greatly, in terms of height, spread, leaf area, length of inflorescences, number of flowers, and speed of development, when it grows in sandy soil disturbed by human activity, species or individuals compared to specimens growing on hard soil and frequented by the public. Key words: Heliotropium digynum, morphological features, inflorescences.
Highlights
Heliotropium digynum, a member of Boraginaceae family, is an erect perennial shrub, reaching a height from 30 to 50 cm above the ground
The study by Forssk (1877) is regarded as the first work mentioning the presence of the genus Heliotropium, in the Arabian region
In Saudi Arabia, it is found in the form of scattered families spread in the Hijaz region, and in the south region
Summary
Heliotropium digynum, a member of Boraginaceae family, is an erect perennial shrub, reaching a height from 30 to 50 cm above the ground. In Saudi Arabia, it is found in the form of scattered families spread in the Hijaz region, and in the south region. The plant is a shrub that has an ecological importance It is regarded as a grazing plant, as indicated by Guenther (2005), a fodder plant (Peacock et al, 2003), and a medicinal plant (AL-Degwy, 1996). Morphological variations are one of the first criteria used for describing, classifying and studying differences between and within species (Stace, 1980) This leaf deals with those parameters of H. digynum specimens collected from different locations of the central region of Saudi Arabia to highlight the variations specimens
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have