Species of the genus Quercus in Italy: Characterization by means of leaf surface observation |
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Authors: | Romano Gellini Filippo Bussotti Davide Bettini Paolo Grossoni Alessandro Bottacci |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Plant Biology , Forest Botany Laboratory , Piazzale delle Cascine 28, I-50144, Firenze, Italy;2. Institute of Silviculture, University of Florence;3. National Forest Service , Italy |
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Abstract: | Abstract We propose a study of the main species belonging to the genus Quercus in Italy, characterized and identified by means of leaf surface observation, with special attention devoted to waxes, trichomes and stomata. Comparing our results with the classification proposed by SCHWARZ (1984), we find that species belonging to Schwarz's subgenus Quercus are recognizable because their waxes are structured in vertical scales; the two other subgenera (Sclerophyllodrys and Cerris) present smooth wax structures, their distinctive feature being the shape of the stomatal rima, which is roundish in Sclerophyllodrys and elliptical in Cerris. The study characterizes Quercus pubescens Willd. and Quercus petraea Liebl. by analyzing some morphometric traits; but the authors feel that further research is needed on these critical taxonomic entities. Lastly, the study examines forms of was degeneration correlated to the phenomenon known as oak decline. |
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Keywords: | epicuticular waxes trichomes leaf surfaces Quercus spp. SEM observations stomata |
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