Anatomical, micromorphological and palynological studies on Turkish endemic Heracleum platytaenium Boiss. (Apiaceae)

Abstract

Heracleum platytaenium is monocarpic and strongly aromatic plant and differs from other species with stout stem, obovate-suborbicular mericarp. Fruits are dorsally compressed. In this study, the anatomical features of the mericarp, as well as micromorphological characteristics of the pollen, fruit and leaf of pollen H. platytaenium have been investigated. A distribution map of this species is also given. Flattened mericarps are with filiforme dorsal ribs, and wings. Four vittae are found in the both, dorsal and commissural sides. The fruit surfaces are reticulate and striate structure. The leaves surface are reticulate and rugose structure. Mericarp surfaces are hairy. The hair shape of fruit and leaf are ribbon-type. The pollen grains are prolate in shape and tricolporate aperture. The exine sculpturing of this species is rugulate. The plants are used as a folk medicinal herb and food