Anatomical and micromorphological studies on an unknown vegetable in Turkey, Smyrnium olusatrum L. (Apiaceae)

Abstract: Smyrnium olusatrum L. is a biennial, stout plant which is growing naturally in North, West and South Turkey. It is used as food only in some localities of Turkey. In this study, fruits of S. olusatrum were examined with a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) for micromorphological research. Also transverse sections of fruit, peduncle and leaf were examined for anatomical studies. The aim of this study is to identify it clearly on the basis of anatomy and micromorphology.Key words: Smyrnium olusatrum, anatomy, micromorphology, Apiaceae, Turkey

Anatomical and micromorphological studies on an unknown vegetable in Turkey, Smyrnium olusatrum L. (Apiaceae)

Smyrnium olusatrum L. is a biennial, stout plant which is growing naturally in North, West and South Turkey. It is used as food only in some localities of Turkey. In this study, fruits of S. olusatrum were examined with a SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) for micromorphological research. Also transverse sections of fruit, peduncle and leaf were examined for anatomical studies. The aim of this study is to identify it clearly on the basis of anatomy and micromorphology. Smyrnium olusatrum L. is a biennial, stout plant which is growing to a height of almost 150 cm (Figure 1). It is naturally grown around hedgerows, roadsides, waste places and sea cliffs, from sea level to 300 metres in North, West and South Turkey. Its flowering time is from Marchto May (Davis, 1972). 

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