Comparative leaf micromorphology, anatomy and architecture in some Mediterranean species of Pancratium (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

Leaves in Pancratium show a gross morphological identity. Difference at macroscopic level also regards leaf tip (acute to obtuse) and lamina width. Despite such uniformity of the leaf visible traits, micro-morphological and anatomical characteristics reveal significant variation both at intra-specific and inter-specific levels, which have proven to strongly depend on adaptation to microclimatic and ecological local conditions, such as temperature, water availability, insolation. Here we present preliminary results of a comparative morpho-anatomical study on leaves of some species of Pancratium (P. foetidum Pomel, P. illyricum L., P. linosae Soldano & F. Conti, P. maritimum L., P. sickenbergeri Boiss.) to assess the range of inter-specific variation, as well as population similarity or dissimilarity related to ecological adaptation.