A comparative study of the anatomy of Noccaea aucheri (Brassicaceae)
species complex
Abstract
The anatomy of three endemic species in Türkiye, previously classified
under the genus Pseudosempervivum (Brassicaceae), considered as the N.
aucheri species complex (Noccaea aucheri, N. sempervivum and N.
mummenhoffiana) in this study, was comprehensively evaluated
anatomically for the first time. To aid the taxonomy of these three
species, known for their transitional forms and classification
challenges, 15 different populations were sampled, covering the entire
distribution range of the species complex. The study investigated
anatomical characteristics, such as root, stem and leaf anatomy, as well
as stomatal index, which complement morphological identification traits,
and examined their correlation with environmental factors. Root diameter
and root cortex diameter, which are considered important for
distinguishing perennials, showed the highest values in N.
mummenhoffiana populations, while N. aucheri populations showed
considerable variability. Multivariate analyses highlighted the
importance of stomatal cavity size in basal leaves and the number of
myrosine cells in explaining anatomical variation. Correlation analysis
between climatic variables and anatomical traits revealed associations
with stomata and epidermis cell sizes in cauline leaves with temperature
and precipitation. Overall, the measurements indicated significant
variability in anatomical traits among the three species within the
complex, failing to provide clear distinctions. Alternatively, our
results support the notion that the three species studied may represent
a single polymorphic species.