The anatomical properties of Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (Caprifoliaceae)

Abstract

Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (Caprifoliaceae), a medicinal plant traditionally known as "Mor uyuzotu or Seytanotu" in Turkey, has been used for treating acne, bronchitis, cold, and cough. Although phytochemical studies are available, there are no taxonomic studies related to this plant. The aim of this study was to investigate the anatomy of leaf, stem, and root of S. atropurpurea. Detailed photographs of plant parts were taken, and measurements of the leaf, stem, and root were carried out. The cross section of the stem revealed a single-layered epidermis containing one-celled simple eglandular trichomes and rarely one-celled hook-shaped eglandular trichomes. The cortex showed multilayered parenchymatous cells and a single-layered endodermis. The phloem was followed by the cambium, and the xylem was lignified. The pith was made up of parenchymatous cells. The leaves are bifacial and amphistomatic and stomata are mesomorphic in the cross section and also stomata are anomocytic in the surface section.