Anatomical structure of cladodes of Ruscus L. taxa (Liliaceae) in Turkey

Microscopical properties of transverse sections from the cladodes of each taxa were illustrated and photographed. In the cross section, it was not possible to differentiated upper and lower epiderma of cladodes. In the mesophyll of cladodes palisade and spongy parenchyma are not seen. There are a few layers of parenchyma cells beneath the upper epidermis and above the lower epidermis. Cross section of the midrib is clearly convex in the lower surface. Vascular bundles have been surrounded by sclerenchymatic bundles. The cladode is isobilateral and both epiderma are similar in appearance being composed of generally long cells with, straight or slightly sinuous walls. Numerous paracytic stomata are present on both surfaces.