Comparative analysis of foliar epidermal anatomical traits and their taxonomic relevance in Lilium pumilum, L. brownii, and L. davidi

Abstract

The anatomical traits of plant species are essential for taxonomic analyses and evolutionary evaluations. Clarifying the anatomical characteristics of the foliar epidermis in three distinct Lilium species L. pumilum Delile, L. brownii F.E.Br. ex Miellez and L. davidii Duch. ex Elwes were studied in this article. The objective is to assess the taxonomic relevance of these characteristics and their potential as indicators of species divergence within the genus Lilium. Plant samples were gathered in Gansu, China, from numerous populations of each species that represented a range of climatic and ecological factors. A microscopic analysis employing thin slices and peel mounts was done to assess the stomatal density and dimensions. Significant interpopulation differences in stomatal features were found in the results, offering potential opportunities for taxonomic discrimination. The species differ in qualitative and quantitative characters to differentiate the three species. The links between the observed anatomical characteristics and species classification within the Lilium genus were clarified for the three studied species. In the end, this research advances knowledge of Lilium taxonomy, aids in conservation efforts, and deepens awareness of the general patterns of plant variety.Research highlights Epidermal Traits Aid Taxonomy: Cell shape, arrangement, and structures aid Lilium Identification. Cuticle Reveals Taxonomic Clues: Thickness, composition, and structure inform classification. Micromorphology for Species ID: Cell shape, wax, and striations differentiate Lilium species.

Macromorphological and foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics of Lilium rosthornii (Liliaceae): Implications for morphological adaptations and taxonomic significance

“…The specific measurements of L. rosthornii stomata can be compared with findings from other Lilium species to assess whether they are unique adaptations to this species' particular ecological niche or common traits shared across the genus. For instance, a study on the diverse ploidy levels across the genus Lilium could provide insight into how these genetic variations might affect stomatal size and, consequently, the plant's adaptation to different environments (Ba et al, 2024; Yembaturova & Korchagina, 2010). Leaf thickness is another important variable in plant adaptation, contributing to structural support and influencing photosynthetic capacity (Tian et al, 2016).…”

“…The approach used in this work is similar to that utilized in prior investigations of foliar epidermal anatomy, such as the comparative examination of foliar epidermal anatomical characteristics in L. pumilum, L. brownii , and L. davidi (Ba et al, 2024) Numerous studies have shown the significance of the anatomical characteristics of the foliar epidermis in the context of taxonomy analysis and evolutionary assessments. An in‐depth examination of the foliar epidermal structure of L. rosthornii enhances our understanding of this species and its taxonomic and evolutionary implications.…”

“…Research was conducted to compare the morphological characteristics of the foliar epidermis and their taxonomic significance in Lilium pumilum , L. brownii , and L. davidi . The findings revealed substantial differences in stomatal length and breadth, as well as the length‐to‐width ratio, across the three species (Ba et al, 2024). The results of this study indicate that stomatal characteristics have the potential to serve as taxonomic indicators in Lilium species.…”

“…The investigation of three separate Lilium species has also shown the significance of the morphological characteristics of the foliar epidermis in taxonomic examinations and evolutionary assessments. There are notable variations in stomatal density, diameters, and other qualitative and quantitative characteristics among the three taxa, which provide possible avenues for taxonomic differentiation (Ba et al, 2024). The examination of the foliar epidermal structure plays a crucial role in the taxonomic classification of plant species, offering significant contributions to our understanding of their systematics and evolutionary connections (Kumachova et al, 2021).…”