Comparative Anatomical study of Leaflets and stems of some species of the genus Astragalus L. in relation to Photosynthetic Pathways

Abstract

The internal structure of leaflets and stems of five Astragalus species (A. dactylocarpus Boiss , A. hamosus L, A. kirrindicus Boiss , A. russelii Banks &Sol , A spinosus (Forssk) Muschl , from Iraq were studied in relation to photosynthetic pathway. Anatomy of these plant organs was found important in seprating between studied species and in identification of their photosynthetic pathway as well. According to leaflet anatomy, A. dactylocarpus Boiss , A. hamosus L. and A. kirrindicus Boiss were characterized as C3 – plants while A.russelii Banks &sol and A. spinosus (Forssk) Muschl. exhibited two different forms of C3-C4 plants.