The anatomical properties of Salvia section (Lamiaceae) in central district of Mardin (Turkey) and their taxonomic implications

Abstract

In this study, 4 Salvia species found in the Salvia section distributed in the Artuklu district
 of Mardin province were analyzed comparatively in terms of anatomy. Plant specimens of Salvia
 section were collected from 11 localities. Anatomical studies were performed on specimens preserved
 in 70% alcohol. Transverse sections taken from the roots, stems, leaves, and petioles of the species
 were examined under a light microscope for anatomical examination. The anatomy of S. bracteata, S.
 macrochlamys, S. suffruticosa, S. trichoclada species were examined. The S. suffruticosa species was
 examined in detail for the first time anatomically. The data obtained as a result of the researches were
 compared with the previous studies on the Salvia section. In anatomical examinations, it was observed
 that the root, stem, leaf, and petiole structures of the taxa were similar but shapes and measurements
 in addition to this the number of tissue layers and pith rows are different. Also anatomically analyses,
 it has been seen that hairiness formed a difference between some species. As a result of all these
 discussed data, the anatomical characters such as number of ray rows in root, number of collenchyma
 layers in stem, mesophyll structures in leaves, shape of midrib and number of vascular bundles in
 petiole, provide important taxonomic information.