Study of anatomical structure of Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Orchidaceae) growing in the Karkaraly Mountains (Central Kazakhstan)

The study of plant structure peculiarities plays an important role in understanding the ecology and habitat conditions of species, as well as for the identification of characteristic features in confirming the species identity of plant raw materials. This article presented the results of microscopic structure of above-ground and underground organs of Dactylorhiza fuchsii growing in the Karkaraly Mountains (Central Kazakhstan). The results showed that the leaf preparation is characterized by the presence of polygonal epidermal cells, stomata of tetracytic type, predominantly localized on the lower side of the leaf. Mesophyll is of homogeneous type, bundles are collateral, cranium-lined, and usually oval in shape. The stem on transverse section is characterized by a well-defined epidermis and cortex, numerous conductive bundles, collateral type, and several lacunae are presented. The transverse section of the root is characterized by the presence of starch grains and fungal peletons, indicating the symbiosis of this species with fungi under natural conditions. In general, the features of the anatomical structure confirm the mesophytic character of Dactylorhiza fuchsii habitat, in particular, the absence of velamen in the root and adaptations in the leaves for water absorption. The results obtained contribute to the assessment of ecological and biological peculiarities of the species and allow us to use the obtained characters for taxon identification at the microscopic level.