Anatomical study of leaf axis in Prosopis (Fabaceae) in Iran

The genus Prosopis with 3 indigenous species as P. cineraria P. koelziana, P. farcta (with 2 varieties) and one introduced species )P. juliflora) are valuable plants of Mimosoideae in Iran. Anatomical studies mainly considered wood features of Prosopis species. In the present project anatomical structure of leaf rachis in Prosopis species in Iran was studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the taxa relationships based on anatomical features of leaf axis. By use of multivariate statistical analysis of 15 qualitative and quantitative anatomical features, observed variation in 37 accessions of Prosopis species in Iran were evaluated. Factor analysis, Cluster analysis and ordination were done. Despite morphological similarities between P. cineraria and P. juliflora some rachis anatomical features are of diagnostic value in species separation. Maximum anatomical similarities were observed in two P. farcta varieties (var. farcta and var. glabra). Results of statistical analyses revealed that Prosopis species are clearly distinguished by leaf rachis cross sections.