LEAF AND STEM ANATOMY OF SPECIES OF CYTISOPHYLLUM, CYTISUS, CHAMAECYTISUS, GENISTA, AND GENISTA SECT. TELINE (FABACEAE: GENISTEAE) AS AN AID FOR TAXONOMY

Abstract

The leaf and stem anatomies of several shrubby species of theCytisus-Genistacomplex have been studied. The selected species have potential value for soil conservation and as feed for ruminants in the Mediterranean basin. The usefulness of anatomy for identification of such species and its value as an aid to clarify the taxonomy of the complex were examined. We conclude that leaf anatomy is of no taxonomic use at the generic and infrageneric level. On the other hand, stem anatomy presents systematic value. The presence or absence of ribs and the occurrence of vascular bundles within the ribs have proven useful to identify genera as well as to clarify the taxonomy of the complex at the generic level. The results support the generic arrangement proposed by Bisby (1981). Some species can be identified by the presence of peculiar stem anatomical traits.