ANALYSIS OF ANATOMICAL AND MICROMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF

ABSTRACT: Iva xanthifolia is a North American weed species, which was introdu-ced and naturalized in Europe. Anatomical and micromorphological characteristics of this species were investigated, in order to get better knowledge of its biology, which could help in development of strategies for prevention of its spreading. Detailed descriptions of lamina, petiole, stem and inflorescence axis anatomical structures were given, together with micro-morphological characteristics of epidermis and indumentum of lamina, petiole, stem, inflo-rescence axis, involucre and fruit. All vegetative organs had mesomorphic structure, with some xeromorphic adaptations. Mechanical tissue was well developed, which gave those plants additional strength and resistance. Trichomes were the most numerous on lamina and in the region of inflorescence, while rare on petiole and stem epidermis and their distribu-tion varied according to plant organ. KEY WORDS: anatomy, Iva xanthifolia, indumentum, micromorpholog