ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF VEGETATIVE ORGANS IN TWO GENTIANА SPECIES (GENTIANACEAE)

Abstract

The subfamily Gentianinae includes approximately 425 species, with many belonging to the extensively studied genus Gentiana. These species are predominantly distributed across the Eurasian continent. The Gentianaceae family is notable for its biologically active compounds and is utilized in traditional medicine for its antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, digestive, antidepressant, and antianemic properties. Purpose of the study - Almaty region, Ilе district, Kazakhstan village, south-western edge of Kungey Alatau, pasture of Il river, north-eastern slope and Almaty region, Karasay district Kaskelen gorge in 2023-2024 to determine the anatomical features of vegetative organs of two collected species. Materials and Methods: Sections of the roots, stems, and leaves of Gentiana olivieri Griseb. and Gentiana tianschanica were prepared using a sliding microtome and analyzed under a light microscope. Results: The comparative anatomical analysis of the vegetative organs of G. olivieri and G. tianschanica revealed both similarities and differences. The significant anatomical feature observed was that the cells of the upper epidermis in the leaves of both species were smaller than those of the lower epidermis. Notably, the upper epidermis of the leaves lacked stomata. The vegetative organs of both species exhibited xeromesophytic characteristics in G. olivieri and mesophytic features in G. tianschanica. These anatomical features align with existing knowledge on Gentianaceae anatomy. Conclusion: The roots of G. olivieri displayed intraxillary phloem, a distinguishing trait of the Gentianoideae and Menyanthoideae subfamilies.

Keywords: Gentiana olivieri, Gentiana tianschanica, Gentianaceae, root, stem and leaf anatomy

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