2022-06-01 BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022 45(卷), 2(期), (729-741页)
In this study, we examined leaf anatomy of 24 species belonging to Acantholimon from flora of Iran. This paper, therefore, describes the foliar anatomical characters in details and discusses the extent to which leaf anatomical features might be developed in response to arid, semi-arid and mountainous condition of the Irano-Turanian region. The results revealed that the leaf anatomy of Acantholimon is highly consistent with the species habitat. The leaf anatomical characters such as the presence of salt glands and trichomes, isobilateral leaves, and sclerophylly are the most predominant responses to the environmental conditions. This paper is the first report of the existence of sclereids in Acantholimon species. The survey of the secreted elements from salt glands on the leaves epidermis of Acantholimon species were performed using SEM energy-dispersive X-ray (EDS) analysis for the first time. Based on these results, the crystals were determined to be truncated conical in shape, composed largely of Ca, O and C elements. Taxonomic implication of the anatomical characters in Acantholimon has been also discussed.