LEAF AND STEM COMPARATIVE ANATOMICAL ANALYSIS OF THREE GENERA OF ALSINOIDEAE (CARYOPHYLLACEAE)

Leaf and stem anatomical structures of three genera (8 taxa) of subfamily Alsinoideae (Caryophyllaceae) is provided for the first time from Iran. There are great morphological similarities among some species so there are difficulties in species identification. Leaf and stem anatomical studies of 42 populations from different habitats are used to distinguish different taxa. A total of 42 qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters are studied. Inter and intra-specific relationships among species are evaluated and diagnostic value of the anatomical features are considered. Statistical analysis confirms the diagnostic value of leaf and stem anatomical features in studied taxa.