MORPHOLOGY, ANATOMY AND ECOLOGY OF CRITICALLY ENDANGERED ENDEMIC CROCUS PESTALOZZAE BOISS. (IRIDACEAE) IN NORTH-WEST TURKEY

Abstract

Morphology, anatomy and ecology of endemic species Crocus pestalozzae Boiss. (Iridaceae), have been investigated during flowering period in early spring. The bulbous plant grows in moist heath, meadowland and rocky areas in the North-West of Turkey. Morphological properties of plant parts have been described in detail. Transverse sections of roots, stems and leaves have been illustrated and the anatomical characters of arms, keel, papillae, mesophyll and vascular bundles of leaf have been described. Population status of the plant has also been determined.