Comparative morphology, anatomy and palynology studies of perennial species of Onobrychis Mill. (Fabaceae) in NE Iran.
20 May 2014
Jafari, Azarnoosh; Amirabadizade, Hassan; Mahmoodzadeh, HomaThis study has examined morphology, anatomy and palynology characters of six species, two subspecies and two varieties of perennial Onobrychis growing in the NE Iran. In morphological study, the shape, size and color of vegetative organs and legume were assessed. For anatomical study, cross section of the mature fresh or dried stem, leaflet and petiole were prepared and stained by differential staining. In palynological study, the pollen were extracted, acetolysed and observed by SEM. The results of morphological study indicated, some characteristics such as the shape of stipules and calyx teeth, the color and the shape of corolla segments and legumes varied. An identification key was presented based on morphological characters. Also, in internal structure some differences were noticed in the outline shape of petioles cross section, the thickness of cortex and the shape of pith in petioles and the arrangement of vessels in stems. Palynological results showed circular and obtuse triangular pollen in polar view and elliptical in equatorial view with reticulate ornamentation. Finally, cluster analysis by Ward method was done based on morphological, anatomical and palynological features using SPSS software for recognition of affinity of studied species. The drawn dendrogram confirmed taxonomic position, mentioned by Sirjaev and Rechinger. Also, some anatomical characters were useful to identify species not sections.