Leaf anatomical traits of Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M.Bieb. (Rosaceae) from Turkey

Abstract

Crataegus orientalis Pall. ex M.Bieb., is a widespread species of the genus Crataegus L. (Rosaceae), which has an important place in traditional folk medicine. In this study, Crataegus orientalis subsp. orientalis and Crataegus orientalis subsp. szovitsii (Pojark.) K.I.Chr. from Turkey were investigated with regard to leaf anatomy. For this reason, transverse sections and surficial sections were taken from samples. Leaves of the both taxa was found as dorsiventral, hypostomatic and mesomorphic. Cyclocytic type stomata, simple single non-glandular trichomes and calcium oxalate crystals were defined as significant anatomical features of these taxa. All results were compared with leaf anatomical features of the Rosaceae family and the characteristics of the genus Crataegus were elucidated by detecting similarities and differences.