LEAF AND STEM ANATOMY OF THE CYPERUS SUBGENUS CYPERUS IN IRAN

Abstract

The genus <em>Cyperus</em> with five subgenus and 29 species, is the second largest genus of Cyperaceae family in flora of Iran. In this research, stem and leaf anatomy of 10 species belonging to subgenus <em>Cyperus</em> is investigated. The stems in transverse section of all examined species were triangular except for <em>C. bulbosus</em> which was subterete to polygonal. The ground tissue was spongy with numerous and large air cavities in all studied taxa, while in <em>C. bulbosus</em> was spongy with small air cavities or not. In <em>C. glomeratus</em> and <em>C. malaccensis</em>, ground tissue is net-like with numerous air cavities<em>.</em> Leaf anatomy of all studied species showed radiate chlorenchyma and 2-layered bundle sheaths (outer fibrous and inner parenchymatous). Air cavities are composed of stellate cells except for <em>C. bulbosus</em>.