Aethionema lepidioides Hub.-Mor. is an endangered endemic species in Turkey with a very narrow
natural distribution area. The present study aims to reveal the structural
features of this species. For this purpose, its unknown morphological features –
such as leaf, petal, sepal dimensions and shapes, filament and anther lengths, as
well as seed dimensions, shape, colour and micromorphology – have been studied
for the first time. To reveal the pollen characteristics of Ae. lepidioides, light microscope and
SEM studies were conducted. Additionally, in the present study the anatomical
features of Ae. lepidioides were also
studied for the first time. The Ae.
lepidioides leaves were found to be linear-oblanceolate, with an entire
margin and a subacute to obtuse apex. The seeds were found to be dark brown and
oval-shaped, with reticulated surface ornamentation. Anatomical studies found
roots in the secondary growth stage, with xylem-filled pith. The stem was in the
primary growth stage, featuring a multi-layer cortex under its outermost single-layered
epidermis, a pronounced endodermis and a central cylinder beneath. The leaves were
thick, amphistomatic and covered with a prominent wax layer. Their mesophyll was
equifacial, and their stoma type was anisocytic. A stomatal index of 26 was found
for the upper epidermis, while a corresponding index of 28.4 was found for the lower
epidermis. The pollens were monad, radially symmetrical and isopolar. The pollen
type was colpate, and the pollen shape was found to be prolate-spheroidal with a
P/E ratio of 1.08.