Histoanatomy of Echinodorus cordifolius (L.) Griseb. (Alismataceae)

Authors: Rodica BERCU

Affiliation: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, “Ovidius” University, Constanta, Romania

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ABSTRACT. The article comprises investigation of the adventitious root, rhizome and leaf anatomy of an aquatic perennial herb Echinodorus cordifolius (L.) Griseb. (sin. E. radicans (Nuttall) Engel. Alisma cordifolia L.). The origin of this species is from the wetlands (marshes, swamps and ponds) in Mexico and North America, over Caribian Islands but widespread from Venezuela to Columbia. This species belongs to Alismataceae family, living mostly amphibious (roots, rhizome and leaf petiole). The leaves are emersed, rarely submersed. The flowers are 25 mm wide and have white petals. There are clustered in racemes of 3-15 flowers. The fruit is a plump. The anatomical characteristics of Echinodorus cordifolius vegetative organs has been described and discussed. In the literature a study into the anatomy of this species almost lack, excepting some systematic studies on this plant.

Keywords: anatomy, root, stem, blade, Echinodorus cordifolium