Abstract
This study examined the anatomic characteristics of the leaves from 22 taxa of Stachys L. representing seven sections in northern Iraq. It found no variation in the stomatal system but noted significant taxonomic variations in other anatomical features. Differences in mesophyll tissue were observed, with S. kurdica var. brevidens showing bifacial mesophyll, while S. kurdica var. kurdica displayed unifacial mesophyll. Vascular bundle numbers varied, with S. benthamiana, S. lanigera, and S. kotscyi having 3 bundles in the middle vein, while S. ballotiformis, S. megalodonta, and S. kurdica had only 1. Additionally, S. lavandulifolia exhibited a unique V-shaped cross-section. These anatomical differences were valuable in distinguishing species within the same section.
Keywords
Stachys L, Labiatae, Lamiaceae, comparative anatomy, cross section of petiole, Vertical section of lamina, stomatal complexes.
Article Type
Article
How to Cite this Article
AL-Zubaedy, Zainab A.A.; AL-Musawi, Ali H.E.; and Al-Mousawi, Ali H.A
(2016)
"A comparative anatomic study of leaves of the genus Stachys L. in Iraq,"
Baghdad Science Journal: Vol. 13:
Iss.
4, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21123/bsj.2016.13.4.0649
