Comparative Leaf Epidermis Analyses оf Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen. and Clinopodium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) from Bulgarka Nature Park, Bulgaria

The present work presents a comparative anatomical study of the leaf epidermis of the Bulgarian endemic Micromeria frivaldszkyana (Degen) Velen. and Clinopodium vulgare L., belonging to the family Lamiaceae. In both species they occur diacytic and anomocytic stomatal type, while the indumentum is presented by multicellular, linear covering trichomes and multicellular, stacked glandular trichomes. The results obtained from the statistical data processing contribute to the distinction between the two species with respect to the peculiarities of the leaf epidermis. Taxonomically significant anatomical features for their determination are: number, width and length of stomata on the abaxial epidermis; width of on the adaxial epidermis; number, width and length of basic epidermal cells along both epidermis and thickness of upper and lower cuticle.