Morpho-anatomical structure of the leaves of Festuca trachyphylla (Hack.) Krajina in the ecological aspect

Abstract

Agnieszka Dąbrowska

Festuca trachyphylla (Hack.) Krajina is a morphologically variable species common in warm and dry habitats in various communities: xerothermic grasslands, dry meadows, sand dunes, scrub and well-lighted forest. The aim of this study was to determine the limits of morphological and anatomical trait variability of F. trachyphylla leaves. The study was conducted in 24 sub-populations (N-432 individuals) in the Lublin Upland, southeastern Poland. Plants in two localities were investigated: in calcium carbonate-rich xerothermic grasslands and on sand dunes. Variability of the F. trachyphylla leaf blades was demonstrated to be dependent on the habitat type. The following morphological and anatomical traits: the length of the leaf, width of the cauline leaf, number of ribs in the leaf, length of the cauline leaf, length of hair in the leaf, colour of the leaf, hairiness of the upper part leaf, cross-section of the leaf, and distribution of the sclerenchymatous tissue in the leaf blade exhibited high variability.