Characteristics of the morpho-anatomical structure of the leaf and petiole of pistachio Pistacia mutica Fisch. et C.A. Mey

This paper presents the results of an anatomo-morphological study of the leaf and petiole of Pistacia mutica Fisch. et C.A. Mey, conducted under the conditions of the Turianchay State Reserve. An analysis of the anatomical features of the leaf revealed that the presence of a thick cuticular layer, bilayered palisade parenchyma, hypostomal location of stomata, and the presence of essential oil reservoirs and schizogenic reservoirs of tannins are indicative of a high degree of adaptation of the plant to the arid climate. The leaf mesophyll exhibits a dorsoventral structure, characterized by the presence of well-developed palisade parenchyma on the adaxial side. This anatomical feature corresponds to the plant's phototropic response, in which the plant exhibits a preference for light. The central vein of the leaf is located closer to the upper side, and the petiole has an oval shape and is also covered with dense cuticle. The phloem of the petiole contains tannins, the importance of which is underscored by their utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. An increase in the amount of tannins was observed in the formation of galls caused by insect bites. The obtained data permit us to consider the anatomical structure of vegetative organs of P. mutica as a reliable diagnostic trait reflecting both ecological adaptation and species specificity of this taxon.