Anatomical and morphological features of seedlings of some Cactoideae Eaton (Cactaceae Juss.) species

• DOI: 10.5586/aa.1697
• Publication Date: 2016-12-20T16:18:47Z
• Authors: Halyna Kalashnyk; Nataliia Nuzhyna; Maryna Gaidarzhy
• Keywords: Pith; Parenchyma; Epidermis (zoology)

<p>Three-month-old seedlings of 11 species the subfamily Cactoideae (<em>Melocactus bahiensis</em>, <em>Melocactus curvispinus</em>, <em>Echinopsis eyriesii</em>, <em>E. mirablis</em>, peruviana</em>, <em>Oreocereus celsianus</em>, <em>Rebutia flavistyla</em>, minuscula</em>, <em>Astrophytum myriostigma</em>, <em>Mamillaria columbiana</em>, and <em>M. prolifera</em>) have been studied. These plants exhibit a uniseriate epidermis, covered by thin cuticle. Except for peruviana</em> <em>A. no hypodermis could be detected. The shoots all studied specimens consist mainly cortex parenchyma with large thin-walled cells. pith is composed much smaller Due to fact that comprises largest portion cross-sectional area, it can concluded main water-storing tissue. extent vascular tissue development varies. Collateral bundles are present in stele. contain various ergastic substances, particular inclusions calcium oxalate (all species), starch (<em>Mammillaria prolifera</em>, mirabilis</em>, genus <em>Melocactus</em>), inulin-like inclusions, occasionally lipid drops (some <em>Echinopsis</em> species).</p><p>Thus, was found highly specialized anatomical morphological structure. At same time, epidermis poorly developed. Accordingly, adaptation arid conditions examined involves an increased growth production substances.</p>