The morphological and anatomical studies of some Silene L. (Caryophyllaceae) species grown in Southeastern Anatolia region

The aim of this study was to reveal systematic characteristics of certain taxa of the species as a preparation for the Turkey revision. Therefore, morphological and anatomical features of seed of some Silene L. taxons grown in South Eastern Anatolia Region, and identification keys and geographical spread of taxons were studied. The study material consists of ten taxa belonging to six sections. These are respectively; Silene aegyptiaca (L.) L. fil. subsp. ruderalis Coode & Cullen, Silene arguta Fenzl, Silene chaetodonta Boiss., Silene conoidea L., Silene crassipes Fenzl, Silene dichotoma Ehrh. subsp. dichotoma, Silene longipetala Vent., Silene marshallii C.A.Meyer, Silene spergulifolia Bieb., Silene swertiifolia Boiss. six taxa are Irano-Turanian element and the origin phytogeographical of four of them is unknown. Within the scope of the morphological study, stem, flower, leaf, fruit and seed characteristics of the species were examined and photographed, a detailed comparison was conducted. In addition, the leaf stomatal index ratios were also determined. Within the scope of the anatomical study, stem and leaf width, the upper leaf and lower leaf surfaces were examined and photographed, similarities and differences were identified. However, some differences were observed. Differences were identified in particular surface morphology of seed. Biometric measurements of all plants were performed and the results were interpreted. Important morphological characters of species that were not studied previously were identified, as well as anatomical features were determined. Taxonomic characters were classified according to their degree of importance with the purpose of this data will have contribution to the revision studies in future.