Anatomical and chemical adaptation of Spartium junceum L. in arid habitat

A number of anatomical adaptations to an arid habitat can be noted in the microscopic structure of Spartium junceum L. vegetative organs. The xerophytic adaptation of the leaf is seen in its short life and the transformation of its inner structure, with palisade parenchyma dominating. The top part of the stem has taken over the leaf function, while sclerenchyma fiber and conductive elements occupy most of its secondary units. A peculiar feature of the primary structure of the root is its incompletely developed endodermis, and the secondary structure points to its storage and mechanical roles. GC/MS analyses of the essential oils showed that they consist mainly of monoterpene hydrocarbons with α-thujene as the main compound. The essential oils also play a xeromorphic role in this plant species.