Micromorphology of the epidermis and anatomical structure of the leaves of Scorzonera hispanica L.

Mirosława Chwil,Paweł Krawiec,Stanisław Chwil,Marcela Krawiec

doi:10.5586/asbp.2015.033

Mirosława Chwil, Paweł Krawiec + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.2015.033

Copy DOI

Abstract

In Poland Scorzonera hispanica L. is rare in the wild. This species is used as a vegetable and medicinal plant. Currently, attempts are being made to introduce this plant into cultivation in Poland. In this study, comparative analyses were conducted of the epidermis surface micromorphology and anatomical structure of the leaves of S. hispanica ‘Maxima’ and ‘Meres’. The investigations were performed using fluorescence, light and scanning electron microscopy. The cuticle on the surface of epidermal cells is smooth or striated. In the epidermis, there are anomocytic stomata. The stomatal index in the epidermis of the studied cultivars is 9.3–11%. In the midrib of the leaf, there is an aerial cavity which occupies a substantial area. In this place, cracking and breaking of the leaf blade were observed. Over the aerial cavity under the adaxial epidermis, there is a single layer of collenchyma cells and 1–2 rows of parenchyma cells. Tangential collenchyma is also present between the abaxial epidermis and large vascular bundles located in the midrib and on both sides of the large vascular bundles in the lamina. This tissue strengthens the leaf margin. The mesophyll cells located in the abaxial epidermis of the midrib form protrusions surrounding the large vascular bundles. The leaves of S. hispanica represent the equifacial type.

Highlights

The genus Scorzonera comprises 180 species [1]
Our preliminary experiments showed that S. hispanica leaf blades tend to crack in the adaxial part and break after heavy rainfall
The aim of the study was to carry out comparative analyses of the micromorphology and anatomical structure of the leaves of two S. hispanica cultivars, with special emphasis on tissues located at the site of fracture

Summary

Introduction

The genus Scorzonera comprises 180 species [1]. It originates from Eurasia and Northern Africa [2]. The name of the genus Scorzonera is derived from Spanish words escorzon or escuerzo meaning a venomous snake or scorza and nera, i.e., black bark. This corresponds to the German name Schwarzwurzel – black root [3]. In Poland five species from the genus Scorzonera occur in the natural environment; these include S. cana O. Scorzonera hispanica grows in the wild in Central and Southern Europe, in the region of the Caucasus, and in southern Siberia. The species is rare in Poland and occurs primarily in mid-forest meadows and scrubs [2]

Objectives

Methods

Results