BIOECOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL-MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE SPECIES SENECIO GRANDIDENTATUS LEBED

The main objective of this study is to investigate the systematic position of the species Senecio grandidentatus, a member of the Senecio genus in the flora of Azerbaijan, through bioecological and anatomical-morphological research. The species’ systematic position was determined according to established guidelines, and the morphological characteristics of the vegetative organs were studied. Specimens prepared with the help of the MBS-2 binocular loupe were examined under modern microscopes. The results of this study can be used for phylogenetic evaluation among the species of the Senecio genus, species identification, conservation efforts, and botanical education. Research has shown that the leaves of the plant Senecio grandidentatus have a dorsiventral structure, the leaves are amphistomatic, the mesophyll is of the heterogeneous type, the conductive bundles are of the open-collateral type, and the layered collenchyma cells in the stem give a wavy appearance to the stem when combined with chlorenchyma. Strong xylem development was observed in the root, and schizogenous secretion cavities were formed in the rhizome. Additionally, the bioecological features and some diagnostic traits of the species S. grandidentatus were also identified. For the first time, the species Senecio grandidentatus was anatomically and morphologically studied in the flora of Azerbaijan, and based on the findings, its systematic position was evaluated.