Morphologıcal, anatomıcal, and palynologıcal ınvestıgatıon of three Legousıa taxa (campanulaceae) from Turkey

In this study, morphological, anatomical and palynological features for three taxa of Legousia Durande were investigated in Turkey. The morphological measurements were compared with the “Flora of Turkey”. This study measured all morphological characteristics that have taxonomical value to clarify the similarities and differences between these taxa for the first time. Root, stem, and leaf cross-sections as well as leaf surface sections of these taxa were examined under a light microscope. The usual features of Campanulaceae anatomy were observed in all the studied taxa. The outer surfaces of the roots in all taxa were covered by peridermis. Cambium was distinguishable but discontinuous. Laticifers were located in the pith region of stems in all taxa. The endodermis in the stem of all examined taxa consisted of large,circular, continous, parenchymatous cells, surrounding vascular bundles. The leaves were bifacial and amphistomatical. Stoma type was amaryllis and anomocytic for all the taxa. Pollen grains of all studied taxa were radially symmetrical and spheroidal in shape. The type of aperture in all examined taxa was porate, but the number of pores were variable. The pollen grains of L. pentagonia were60% pentaporate, 30% tetraporate, and 10% triporate, whereas in L. falcata they were 70% pentaporate, 20% tetraporate, and 10% triporate. On the other hand, in L. speculum-veneris, the pollen grains were 30% pentaporate, 50% tetraporate, and20% triporate.