MORPHOLOGY, ANATOMY, AND PALYNOMORPHOLOGY OF TURKISH LOCAL ENDANGERED ENDEMIC SPECIES Centaurea lycaonica (ASTERACEAE) FROM ANATOLIA

The morphology, anatomy, and palynomorphology of Centaurea lycaonica Boiss. & Heldr. (Asteraceae), an endemic species only known from its type locality in Turkey, was examined herein. The stem, leaf, capitula, and achene dimensions were re-measured and observations of the other morphological properties expanded the description of species. The evaluation of anatomical characteristics, such as the number of cortex and collenchyma layers in the stem and the number of vascular bundles in the midvein in the leaf, was of taxonomical importance. The pollen grains were observed to have scabrate-perforate ornamentation with prolate-spheroidal shape and some of them have a broad cavea. The achene characteristics, such as the achene colour and size, epidermal shapes and dimensions, and pappus type can be used to distinguish this endemic rare species.

Automated summary

This study examined the morphology, anatomy, and palynomorphology of Centaurea lycaonica, an endemic species in Turkey. The evaluation of anatomical characteristics and descriptions of pollen grains and achenes provide valuable information for distinguishing this rare species. The study highlights the taxonomical importance of certain morphological properties for this endemic plant.