Application of features of leaf anatomy in taxonomy of East European and Caucasian species of the genus Viola (Violaceae)

摘要

Previous work on the anatomy of leaf blades and petioles of East European and Caucasian violets and pansies is summarized. Transversal sections of leaf blades and petioles and structure of leaf blade epidermis from 210 samples were undertaken for 30species and 4 interspecific hybrids. Unknown morphological features were found. These morphological observations were used to revise the systematics of the group and in the diagnostics of taxa of different ranks. The most important morphological features were the presence or absence of brown cells (containing tannins) in leaf blade epidermis, presence and location of collenchymatic and sclerotic elements in the leaf blades and petioles, and number of vascular bundles in the petioles.