FRUIT ANATOMY OF THE GENUS BUPLEURUM L. (APIACEAE) IN IRAN

The genus Bupleurum L., with about 185-195 species, is the second largest genus of the family Apiaceae Lindl. It includes 35 species in the Iranian plateau, 15 of which are thrived in Iran. Three species out of these, i.e., B. wolffianum, B. flexile and B. ghahremanii, are endemic to Iran. In this study, the fruit anatomy of all Bupleurum species in Iran, except B. wolffianum, for which specimens were not available, were studied for the first time. Some of the most taxonomically important fruit characteristics were found to be: mericarp shape in transverse section, characteristics of ribs, ratio of mericarp width to thickness, existence of oil ducts, quantity of vallecular and commissural vittae, ratio of height to width of dorsal rib, and shape of endocarp in transverse section. Important features for each species were described and an identification key was also provided. Anatomical studies also confirmed the anatomical and morphological differences between Sect. Perfoliata and other members of the genus. Absence of vittae in Sect. perfoliata may be correlated with broad leaves, dilated, rounded and perfoliate leaf bases. In addition, two distinct subgroups were shown in respect to different number of vallecular vittae in each furrow. These features may be applied as the basic classification aspects for further investigation on the genus Bupleurum.