The anatomical properties of Salvia section (Lamiaceae) in central district of Mardin (Turkey) and their taxonomic implications

In this study, 4 Salvia species found in the Salvia section distributed in the Artuklu district of Mardin province were analyzed comparatively in terms of anatomy. Plant specimens of Salvia section were collected from 11 localities. Anatomical studies were performed on specimens preserved in 70% alcohol. Transverse sections taken from the roots, stems, leaves, and petioles of the species were examined under a light microscope for anatomical examination. The anatomy of S. bracteata, S. macrochlamys, S. suffruticosa, S. trichoclada species were examined. The S. suffruticosa species was examined in detail for the first time anatomically. The data obtained as a result of the researches were compared with the previous studies on the Salvia section. In anatomical examinations, it was observed that the root, stem, leaf, and petiole structures of the taxa were similar but shapes and measurements in addition to this the number of tissue layers and pith rows are different. Also anatomically analyses, it has been seen that hairiness formed a difference between some species. As a result of all these discussed data, the anatomical characters such as number of ray rows in root, number of collenchyma layers in stem, mesophyll structures in leaves, shape of midrib and number of vascular bundles in petiole, provide important taxonomic information