Morphological and Anatomical Features of <i>Plantago maritima</i> L. As an Adaptive Reaction to the Conditions of Coastal Biotopes

Abstract

The morphological and anatomical parameters of the vegetative and generative organs of plants Plantago maritima L. were studied in different biotopes of the littoral zone on the coast of the White Sea in the vicinity of the village Rastnavolok (Belomorsky district, Republic of Karelia). It has been established that plants have developed certain adaptations to conditions of the littoral zone: two biomorphs are formed (rosette and upper rosette with elongated upper internodes) as an adaptation to covering with soil during tides and storms. Within the littoral zone under different flooding conditions, plants differ in some anatomical features. The thickness of the water-strage parenchyma correlates directly with the thickness of the leaf, it varies within the littoral zone depending on the time the plants are flooded with salt water. Well-developed integumentary and mechanical tissues of the root and rosette shoots are an adaptive response to the mobility of the soil substrate and water mass during tidal surges. The development of aerenchyma in underground vegetative organs ensures gas exchange under flooding conditions. Significant differences of the studied anatomical and morphological parameters in biotopes of the littoral showed the wide adaptive capabilities of P. maritima, which ensure its dominance in the plant communities of the White Sea coast.