Morpho-anatomical and palynological properties of Acanthoprasium integrifolium (Benth.) Ryding (Lamiaceae), endemic to Cyprus

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the morphological, anatomical and palynological properties of Acanthoprasium integrifolium (Benth.) Ryding, which is endemic in Cyprus. Plant samples were collected from Northern Cyprus. Morphological observations were made using a binocular stereo microscope with a drawing tube. For anatomical studies, the samples were conserved in 70% alcohol. The transverse and surface sections were taken by hand with a help razor blade. The nutlet micromorphologies and pollen properties were examined using scanning electron microscopy. In morphological studies, the description of A. integrifolium was given in detail for the first time and the general appearance of plant and leaf, bract, bracteole, flower, calyx, corolla and nutlet shapes were supported by drawings. The stem and leaf characteristics of the plant were examined in anatomical studies. The stem is almost tetragonal-rounded in shape. The vascular bundles are well-developed in the corners. The pith area covers a large area and includes simple crystals. The leaf is bifacial type and hypostomatic. The pollen grains are tricolpate and prolate shaped. While the surface of pollen grains is reticulate, the nutlets have scalariform ornamentation.