Comparative anatomical studies of some Clematis L. (Ranunculaceae) species in Iran

This study presents a comparative anatomy of three species of the genus Clematis in Iran (C. orientalis, C. ispahanica, C. flammula). The following characters were determined to be informative between the species examined; shape of the leaf epidermal cells, pattern of anticlinal walls, The outline of petiole sections, vascular bundles topography, occurrence of a ventral bundle and presence or absence of mechanical tissues. Shape of the stem in cross section; subepidermal collenchyma type and number of secondary bundles were also considered. The results of anatomical characters alike morphological studies confirmed separation of this three species as distinct taxa.