A detailed anatomical characterisation of 17 Satureja species (Lamiaceae) from Türkiye

Satureja species, commonly known as savory herbs, are a diverse group of plants belonging to the family Lamiaceae and are widely distributed throughout Türkiye. These aromatic herbs play an important role in both culinary and medicinal practices, contributing to local traditions and customs. Understanding their anatomy is essential for identifying species variations, ecological adaptations, and potential uses in agriculture and pharmacology. This study provides comprehensive details of the anatomical characteristics of different Satureja species found in Türkiye. The anatomical characteristics of 17 Satureja species, including their leaf structure, stem, and roots, provided important insights into their identification and classification. For the taxa studied, the root and stem cross-sectional structure, such as the vascular bundles, collenchyma type, and presence and density of the sclerenchyma, was important. In particular, the leaf, trichome type density, and mesophyll characteristics also provided more reliable tools for identifying the taxa. Understanding these anatomical characteristics will not only aid in the classification of Satureja species but also enhance our knowledge of their ecological roles and their potential applications in improving crop resilience and medicinal applications.