In this study, micromorphological features of the leaf epidermal cells of 17 species of Iranian Cotoneaster were determined. The studied species were compared with each other and with phylogenetic relationships established by previous studies. Three populations of C. integerrimus and C. multiflorus were studied as representatives of C. subgen. Cotoneaster and Chaenopetalum, respectively. To evaluate quantitative and qualitative characters, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) were performed. Finally, relationships among the taxa were illustrated by hierarchical clustering analysis. Three stomatal types were identified, i.e. anomocytic, stephanocytic and actino‐stephanocytic. The wax and cuticle density was higher in species from semi‐moist habitats than in those from dry and semi‐dry habitats. The patterns formed by the anticlinal walls of the epidermal cells were sinuous, repand and straight‐curved. Interestingly, there was a significant relationship between the length of leaves, the density of the indumentum and the pattern formed by the anticlinal cell walls. The leaves of species with large leaves also have lower hair density and more curved anticlinal cell walls. It appears probable that climatic conditions affected the evolution of leaf micro‐morphological characters during the early diversification of the genus, but that these characters have subsequently been permanently fixed by phylogenetic constraints and thus appear diagnostic for extant species.
Cotoneaster nima-yushiji and C. mazandaranicus (sect. Chaenopetalum), two new species of the genus Cotoneaster (Rosaceae) from northern Iran, are described and illustrated. Cotoneaster nima-yushiji is closely related to C. discolor Pojark. (1954: 16) but differs by larger leaves, indumentum of leaves, number of flowers per inflorescence, longer inflorescence, dark red and succulent fruit (vs. light red and non-succulent). C. mazandaranicus is morphologically similar to C. multiflorus C. A. Mey. (1831: 171), but is distinguished by foliar lamina with base narrowly cuneate to cuneate, shape and size of leaves, indumentum of leaves, color of leaves and fruit.
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