The morphological, anatomical, palynological, seed micromorphological studies and its taxonomical significance in Delphinium turcicum (Ranunculaceae), a local endemic spurless species for Turkey

Abstract

In this study, species of Delphinium turcicum (Ranunculaceae), which is endemic to Türkiye, for its morphological, anatomical, palynological, micromorphological and taxonomical significance was investigated. Additionally, Delphinium venolusum, which is a similar species of Delphinium turcicum, was studied. Anatomic structure descriptions of these species and seed descriptions of Delphinium turcicum were given for the first time in this work. In addition, the comparison of these species contributes to the solution of taxonomic problems. Features of anatomic structures (root, stem, and leaf sections) were shown. Also, these structures were discussed taxonomic significance. The similarities and differences between D. turcicum and D. venulosum were revealed in this study. In palynological investigations; polar, equatorial, exine, intine, colpus length and width were measured. Polar/Equatorial (P/E) ratio and pollen ornamentation were determined. The pollen grains of these two species are spherical and isopolar symmetrical. Pollen types have determined as monad for D. turcicum and D. venulosum species. Pollen aperture types are tricolpate. Pollen exine ornamentations are microechinate. In this work photographs of pollen and seed were taken by using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Seed micromorphological characteristics were given for both species. Seeds are subglobose and have continuous rings of transversal squamulose for both species. Seed ornamentations have continuous rings of transversal squamulose and generally erect papillae.