The comparative morphological and anatomical studies of above-ground organs of bilberry, cowberry and bearberry

One of the important environmental issue is to ensure high-quality products, including medicines. In this regard, special attention should be given to plant material, identification of morphologically similar species which is the most difficult. The article presents comparative morphological and anatomical studies of shoots of bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) and bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (L.) Spreng.).using optical microscopy. The authors defined diagnostic features are trichomes, the shape of the epidermal cells of the lamina, the ratio of the columnar and spongy parenchyma, cross-sectional shape of the stem, the structure of the primary cortex, wood and core.