MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND TRACE ELEMENTS COMPOSITION OF ONOSMA ARGENTATA HUB.-MOR. (BORAGINACEAE) ENDEMIC TO TURKEY

Abstract

Onosma argentata Hub.-Mor. is an endemic species growing in Turkey. It is under the threat like many other endemic species in Turkey and its IUCN category is evaluated as vulnerable. According to literature, this species was known only from the two collections, in this study the plants were collected from different localities mentioned in literature. Plant is perennial. The stem is 20-35cm, shortly hairy and rigid-setose, clothed at base with remains of leaves. The aim of this study is to provide information on the anatomical and morphological properties of O. argentata. Anatomical sections taken from the root, stem and leaves of the plants. The results have been compared with some species of Boraginaceae. In addition, the concentrations of trace elements O. argentata were determined by using atomic absorption spectrometry. Large amount of sodium (Na), aluminum (Al), potassium (K) and iron (Fe) were present in all flowers, leaf and stem of O. argentata plant.