In this study, the vegetative anatomy of Artemisia umbelliformis subsp.
eriantha, a Central European alpine glacial relict, wild-growing on Mt.
Durmitor (Montenegro) was examined for the first time. The aim was to
investigate the general anatomy and particular anatomical traits which might
have possible taxonomic value. Microscopic slides were prepared according to
the standard histological procedures. The adventitious young root showed a
primary structure, while the older root showed a secondary structure with a
well-developed periderm on its surface. The rhizome showed a primary
structure with elements of a secondary structure (periderm). The stem cross
section is characterized by a round shape with a well-developed periderm at
certain stages, and collateral vascular bundles arranged in a circle. The
petiole is concave in shape with a single-layered epidermis and parenchyma
tissue with one large and two small vascular bundles. Druses and
rhombohedral crystals are observed inside some petiole parenchyma cells. The
leaf lobe cross section has an oblong-linear shape and is isolateral and
amphistomatous in structure. The anticlinal walls of the leaf epidermal
cells are sinuate. Secretory canals are present in the root cortex
parenchyma (endodermal secretory canals) and the rhizome cortical
parenchyma. The stem, petiole and leaf lack secretory canals. The stem and
leaf are covered with T-shaped non-glandular and glandular trichomes. The
taxonomic value of the analyzed characteristics is briefly discussed.
