HISTOANATOMICAL STUDIES ON SOME HALOPHYTES FROM ROMANIA - PLANTAGO CORONOPUS

This paper presents an histoanatomical study of the structure of the roots, stems and leaves of Plantago coronopus. General, the results obtained from morphological studies were consistent with the description given in the Flora of Romania. Studies were conducted to assess the diversity of anatomical adaptations of vegetative organs in this taxa. Results are presented with original photographs. Anatomical investigations were performed on crosssections of the root, stem and on leaves, and on surface sections of the leaves. The analysis of leaf anatomy in P. coronopus showed that the leaves contained a contained xeromorphic traits. Thus, a well developed endodermis, water storage tissue, sclerification in leaves and other organs of plants, shape and orientation of stomata on both leaf surfaces occured. Thick epidermis is a characteristic feature of this salt tolerant species. Trichome density is lower in plants. The palisades are arranged next to the upper and lower epidermis. The presence of aerenchyma in Plantago coronopus root represent an adaptive feature, characteristic of other halophyte species.