Morphology, anatomy and palynology of two endemic Cousinia cass. species (sect. Cousinia, Asteraceae) and their taxonomic implications

The morphological, anatomical and palynological features of Cousinia eleonorae Hub.-Mor. and Cousinia humilis Boiss. are provided along with their taxonomic significance. Their expanded description, distribution map and coloured photographs are also given. The morphological characteristics of leaves, phyllaries are taxonomically significant for distinguishing Cousinia species. In addition, the micromorphological characteristics of pollen grains and achenes are provided with the use of scanning electron microscopy. Anatomical characters such as number of cortex cells, number of vascular bundles and midrib shape are found to be significant characters. Moreover, exine sculpturing pattern and shape of pollen grains can be used for taxonomic purposes.