Structural adaptation of the leaf to xero- and halofactors in some species of the genus Climacoptera Botsch

Abstract Xeromorphism and halomorphism were investigated in five species of Chenopodiaceae grown under natural growth conditions in the saline soil in Mirzachul (Uzbekistan, Province Sirdarya) and Kyzylkum (Uzbekistan, Province Buhora, Navoiy, Karakalpakstan, Province Miskin). The structure of leaf epidermis and mesophyll was analysed. The adaptation mechanism of succulent species with Kranz anatomy to xero- and halofactors was identified. In leaves two types of mesophyll cells were found: on the basis there is a Kranzventro-dorsal structure. In the middle part and the tip, however, the structure is close to Kranz-centric (Salsoloid type), but differs from species of the genus Salsola by not having dense chlorenchyma at the adaxial side and between peripheral conductive bundles and a Kranz-facing it is located 1–3 numbers small water-bearing cells. At species of genus Salsola conductive bundles adjoin to Kranz-facing cells. We consider this structure as specific of Climacoptera and term it, therefore, Climacoptera type. High analogy coefficients of the same section species under different growing conditions were found using cluster analysis