An anatomical study of five species Melilotus Mill.

Abstract

This research presented some anatomical characteristics of five species of melilotus for in Syria.

thes species include :

Melilotus indicus, M.sulcatus, M.albus, M.offcinalis, M.segetalis

 The Cross-sectional  anatomy of  stem and leaves were studied, and the kye features that  distinguish characteristics the species were identified,

including the pattern and number  in terms of: number of stomata,  characteristics of the mesophyll tissue , parenchyma tissue parenchyma tissue surrounding the bundle, and the presence or absence of trichomes on the lower epidermis; The stems cross-section was characterized by its ribbed shape, protuberances  defined by uneven and symmetrical surfaces, and the number of layers depending  on the species (colanenchyma, parenchyma, and the presence of scleranchyma beneathand outside the protuberance, as well as the number of bundles composing it).

visual characteristics of the flower were also studied,  including the ratio of the length calyx to corolla,  summit and shape of  the standard , the presence of the claw and appendage in the wings, and the size of the standerd in relation to the keel.

These results were presented in the form of images, figures, and tables.

These results were presented in the form of pictures, figures, and tables, and an ANOVA was conducted using the statistical program SPSS-26, which all gave significant results of £ 0.005, where the M.segetalis type excelled in the number of basal layers, and the M.indicus type recorded the highest value in the average number of stomata. (59) The species is characterized by its wide spread in various environments.