Leaf anatomical investigation of Pistacia atlantica var kurdica

Wild pistachio is one of the tree species in semi-arid areas in Iran that has important environmental and economical- social impacts. This species has not been studied well anatomically and in some cases، distinguishing it from other varieties of Butmela is difficult. The aim of this research was to investigate the diversity of this species based on some anatomical leaf traits such as vascular tissue. For this reason leaves were collected from tree populations and they were kept in ethanol (70 %) for one month، then cross sections were prepared from each sample. Based on the results، the leaves of Pistacia atlantica were bifacial and they had short trichomes (glandular and covering) in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Thickness of central vascular tissue، thickness of leaf and length of central vascular tissue had the most important roles in grouping، respectively. Also، no differences were found between male and female trees for anatomical traits. The results from this study could be used in the taxonomy of this species. For example، the form of central vascular tissue in this species was generally oval.