Morphological and anatomical studies of some medicinal Salvia L. species growing in Eskişehir

ABSTRACT Master of Science Thesis Biologist. İLHAM ERÖZ Anadolu University Institute of Health Sciences Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Fehmiye KOCA June-2001 In this thesis, morphological and anatomical properties of Salvia aethiopis L., S. virgata Jacq. and S. dichroantha Stapf (endemic) growing wild in Eskişehir province were studied. Morphological studies were performed samples from the wild and in herbarium specimens while anatomical studies were carried out using the materials preserved in alcohol. In the morphological studies, detailed descriptions were given along with their drawings. The results indicated that lanate indumentum, candelabriform branches of inflorescense, squamulate shape of corolla tube were found to be characteristic for S. aethiopis and bisulcate and recurve calices in fruits were characteristic for S. virgata. Crenulate edge of leaves were found to be characteristic for S. dichroantha. In the anatomical studies, the internal structures of herbaceus stems and leaves were described. In the stem of S. aethiopis, starch observed in the most inner part of the cortex. In S. virgata prismatic crystals of the pith parenchyma were characteristic. Their stem anatomies were found to have similarities with the exception of differences in glandular and eglandular trichomes and some properties of the rays. The leaves were dorsiventral and amphistomatic in all species. The study has revealed that the limits of morphological variations have been extended and anatomical findings can be used in differentiation of the species. KEY WORDS Labiatae, Salvia, Morphology, Anatomy