ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON THE SCILLA VERNA (HYACINTHACEAE) COMPLEX

Abstract

The phytodermology and leaf and scape anatomy were studied in wild populations of theScilla vernacomplex (Scilla vernaHudson,S. rambureiBoiss,S. odorataLink,S. monophyllosLink.,S. pauiLacaita, andS. merinoiOrtiz et al.) and several unrelated species (Scilla peruvianaL.,S. hyacinthoidesL.,S. lilio-hyacinthusL., andS. obtusifoliaPoiret) in order to determine diagnostic characters to be used in intertaxa relationships. With the exception of leaf shape transection, all examined characters show little variation within taxa. Of the characters examined, those that show discrete variation between the studied taxa are the presence of trichomes, heterogeneity of chlorenchyma, presence of mucilaginous cavities, and epidermal extensions of the leaf margins. The close anatomical similarity observed between theScillataxa precludes its broad use for diagnosis. Within the complex, onlyScilla monophyllosandS. pauicould be distinguished by the anatomical features. No clear relationship has arisen between leaf stomatal measurements and ploidy level of the taxa.