Abstract—Acer iranicum (Sapindaceae s. l., Aceroideae), from the upper limits of the lowland forests toward the midlands in the western part of the Hyrcanian forests, is described as new. Diagnostic characters for A. iranicum are sub-leathery to
papery leaves, rounded, elongate sepals, oblong-ovate petals, and samara wings diverging at 55‐75°. The phylogenetic position of A. iranicum within Acer section Acer is elucidated based on analysis of the ITS data from representatives of all taxa within section
Acer and morphological evidence. Acer iranicum was resolved as sister to A. opalus (Italian maple), but quite distant from all other species of maples in Iran.<fig><caption></caption><graphic xlink:href="i0363-6445-45-1-163-f1.gif"/></fig>
As the largest genus of broad leaved deciduous trees, Acer L. contains about 126 species distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. With eight native species in Iran, maples are among the most important tree species in the country. Micromorphological traits of 39 populations of Iranian native species indicated the value of leaf epidermal characteristics in identification and classification of maples. A number of epidermal morphological features of the abaxial surface were investigated using LM and SEM images. The occurrence of stomata in clusters is reported for the first time in Acer. The shape of the epidermal cells, anticlinal cell wall patterns, type of indumentum, and epicuticular waxes were the most significant variables in this study. The ability of quantitative and qualitative variables in segregating the studied taxa was evaluated by statistical methods, including PCA, MCA and Non-parametric analyses.
As the third biggest genus in Sapindaceae, Acer contains about 110 species which are mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. With nine native species in Iran, maples are considered to be among the key forest trees in the country. The aim of this study is to assess the potential of petiole traits for delimiting species of Acer. Ten petiolar characters were studied in 44 populations of 9 species of Acer from Iran. The characters were assembled into a matrix and the ability of variables to segregate taxa was analyzed statistically. Results revealed a high reliability in delimiting all the species investigated. Acer monspessulanum, which occupies various habitats throughout the country, showed the highest diversity in petiole anatomy among the species studied. Based on the presence or absence of medullary bundles, two supertypes of petioles were definable. Although not helpful at the infraspecific level, petiole anatomy is shown to be taxonomically useful in delimiting species of Acer.
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