Functional Anatomy of Leaf <i>Campanula alliariifolia</i> Willd.

Abstract

The functional anatomy of the leaf of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. is examined. The purpose of this research is to identify features of the functional anatomy of the leaf of this species in order to understand the mechanism of its adaptation to new growth conditions. Plant material of research are plants of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. in: a) their natural growth habitat (the Caucasus, city Sochi) and b) the region of introduction (the steppe zone of Ukraine, city Donetsk). The research methods used are the standard techniques of anatomical research. In the region of introduction, the research reveals the formation of columnar mesophyll and stomata on the adaxial side of the leaf of C. alliariifolia; increase in mesophyll thickness, stomata frequency and size, and in the moisture content. The rosellate leaf area and the cauline leaf dry matter accumulation are greater than in the natural growth habitat. The main ways of adaptation are :a) qualitative and quantitative anatomical changes in leaves; b) correlation of changes of the majority of anatomical and morphological parameters; c) identical physiological and anatomical changes in leaves of both formations.