Leaf Micromorphological Assessment, Chemical Composition and Anatomical Responses of Trachyandra ciliata (L.F) Kunth to Different Degrees of Salinity

Abstract

Many studies have examined the morphological and micromorphological responses of different halophytes to determine their salt tolerance mechanisms. However, few studies have focused on the South African edible halophytes. This study examined the leaf micromorphology, elemental composition, and anatomical responses using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to examine salt tolerance levels in Trachyandra ciliata (L.F) Kunth. The treatments included varying sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations: 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM and 200 mM, while control (0 mM) was watered with nutrient solution only. From the SEM micrographs, salt glands were observed protruding from the epidermis along the vascular system under low salinity and salt crystals appeared under higher concentrations, which makes this plant maintain cellular homeostasis under high salinity, and the plant can be classified as a recretohalophyte. Stomatal distribution, stomatal density and the number of open stomata decreased with increasing salinity. EDX revealed the presence of some important elements such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and more in the leaves. The results showed that increased salinity led to a decrease in the percentage composition of P, K and Ca²⁺, while Mg²⁺ was high under the control and low salinity (50 mM), decreased under 100 mM and increased again with increasing salinity. On the contrary, increasing salinity caused an increase in Na⁺ and Cl^- in a stable manner. These findings reveal that T. ciliata acquires salt tolerance through changes to its leaf surface properties, osmotic adjustment, and the regulation of Na⁺ uptake and distribution in the leaves.