ANATOMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SALVIA CANDIDISSIMA VAHL. SSP. CANDIDISSIMA (LAMIACEAE) AS A NEW RECORD FROM IRAN

The present study, reports Salvia candidissima Vahl ssp. candidissima (Lamiaceae) as a new record for the flora of Iran. Anatomical and morphological characteristics of the plant have been investigated. Mainly based on the indumentum, corolla color and leaf morphology, S. candidissima is divided into two taxa including subsp. candidissima (leaves discolorous, ovate to broadly ovate; corolla bicolor) and subsp. occidentalis Hedge. (leaves concolorous, oblong to ovate; corolla homochromatic). Anatomical results show the general properties of the genus such as: quadrangular stem with thickened collenchyma at the corners and presence of sclerenchyma and collenchyma as mechanical tissue. Both glandular and eglandular trichomes on the stem and leaves are present. 2, 3- cellular eglandular and short capitate glands are the most common trichome types. An up-to-date distribution map of the species is provided. Moreover, the morphological description is amplified and diagnostic features are illustrated.