Histological description of Saxifraga paniculata leaves with special focus on structures that release CaCO3

Abstract

[EN] Saxifraga paniculata is a subalpine succulent perennial plant arranged in a rosette that is usually found in shallow soil among limestone rocks. Stereoscopic, light and scanning electron microscopy were used to describe the anatomical structure of S. paniculata leaves, paying special attention to structures related to CaCO3 (calcium carbonate) release. Anomocytic stomata are unevenly distributed on each leaf face, being absent in the lower third. The basal leaf margin presents translucent pluricellular trichomes of variable length and width. Towards the apical margin, trichomes become teeth. Both trichomes and teeth are completely covered with whitish CaCO3 crystals. Each tooth has a circular cavity connected to a single hydathode through pores. Clearing treatment revealed camptodromous leaf venation. Anatomical structure shows a bifacial cross-section with spongy mesophyll cells at basal part, becoming heterogeneous at the apex with palisade mesophyll on the adaxial face. Hydathodes are epithematic and connected to outer cavities via two kidney-shaped guard cells showing large substomatal cavity. The epithem is surrounded by a thickened sheath and is formed of highly packed elongated cells with interspersed tracheary elements. CaCO3 deposits consist of microscopic crystals with varying geometries, of which the rhombus is the basic unit