Anatomical features of Salvia potentillifolia Boiss. & Heldr. ex Benth. and Salvia nydeggeri Hub.-Mor. (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

The genus Salvia is represented by 107 taxa in Turkey and 54 of them are endemic. The genus has been used medically since ancient times and it is known as "adacayi", "salba", "dag cayi, "calba" in Turkish. Traditional uses of Salvia potentillifolia are reported for cold and flu in Turkey. In this study leaf, petiole and stem anatomy of two endemic species, Salvia potentillifolia and S. nydeggeri, are compared. The study found that the mesophyll type is bifacial and the leaf is of amphistomatic type in both species. In the study we observe morphologically different types of glandular hairs. There are also dense eglandular hairs. The study also observes starch grains in petioles. The vascular bundles are of the collateral type. Both species have similarities in leaf and stem anatomy. The anatomical differences and similarities of these two morphologically similar species are given in detail.