Morphology, Anatomy and Palynology of Salvia indica L. (Labiatae)

Salvia indica L., which belongs to section Aethiopis, is a perennial herb usually growing on rocky limestone slopes and Quercus scrubs in the Southeast Anatolia. In this study, the morphological, anatomical and palynological characteristics of this species using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) have been investigated. In addition, nutlet morphology, emended and expanded description, phenology and ecology of S. indica are presented. The stem anatomical structure showed the general features of the family Labiatae. The leaf characters such as the structure of mesophyll and vascular bundles provide important information of taxonomic values. The pollen grains are hexacolpate, radially symmetrical, isopolar and suboblate. Their exine sculptring is bireticulate-perforate. The nutlets are rounded-trigonous in transverse sections, ovate in shape, glabrous and slightly tuberculate. The species often grows in neutral sandy soils (pH 7.44) with a middle level of organic content (2.62%).