Morphological, anatomical and physiological characteristics of Lathyrus latifolius L. - Fabaceae

The Lathyrus species are wild relatives of cultivated peas. Results of morphological, anatomical and physiological analyses of Lathyrus latifolius L. are presented in this paper. Certain measured parameters and observed morphological characteristics are not in agreement with available literature data, whereas no reference to the winged stem width, length of inflorescence pedicle, calyx length and leaflet index can be found. Two forms, f rotundifolium RCHB and f. latifolius BECK have been determined. Leaflets are amphystomatic, with anisocytic stomata present in almost equal number on both epidermises, dorsoventral, with one-layered palisade and many-layered spongy tissue. Stem in transverse section is rotund to oval with two long lateral wing-like expansions and cortical bundles. Mineral element analysis shows that the highest N, P and K concentrations were obtained with the flower while Ca and Na with the leaf. Leaf pigment content was higher than stem content while net photosynthesis rate was twice as high as respiration rate.