The anatomical characteristics of section Aethiopis (Lamiaceae) from Southeast, Turkey and their taxonomic implications

In this study, 4 Salvia species found in the Aethiopis section distributed in the province of Mardin in the Southeast of Turkey between the years 2018-2021 were analyzed comparatively in terms of anatomy. Transverse sections taken from the roots, stems, leaves, and petioles of the taxa were examined under a light microscope. S. brachyantha ssp. brachyantha, S. montbretii, S. palaestina, and S. syriaca taxa were analyzed anatomically. S. montbretii and S. syriaca species were analyzed in detail for the first time anatomically. In the anatomical examinations, it was observed that the root, stem, leaf, and petiole structures of the taxa were similar, but the shapes and sizes, in addition to the tissue layer and pith row numbers, were different. As a result, anatomical characters provide important information in the differentiation of species.