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Micromorphological and quantitative characterisation of leaves of wild growing Pyrus communis L. (Rosaceae)
Abstract
The leaf surface micromorphology of wild Pyrus communis L. was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. Secretory structures (colleters) were identified on the apical and lateral teeth of leaf blades and stipules. Cuticular folds were present on both the surfaces, more developed near stomata and veins. Leaves are hypostomatic, with stomata approximating the stephanocytic type. Leaves of P. communis exhibited stomatal dimorphism even at the intrabud stage, featuring larger primary stomata surrounded by smaller secondary stomata. Leaf size and shape varied considerably across the specimens from southern Russia, the Caucasus, and Crimea. Factor analysis revealed two main groups of correlated variables: one related to leaf size (petiole length, blade length and width) and another to leaf morphology (apex elongation, margin, and blade shape). The study revealed novel micromorphological characteristics with diagnostic potential for discriminating closely related Pyrus species.
