An anatomical study of medicinal species Ajuga orientalis L. (Lamiaceae) from Turkey

Ajuga orientalis (Lamiaceae), with a wide distribution area in Turkey, is a traditionally used medicine in the treatment of some skin diseases in Anatolia. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical characteristics of the root, stem, leaf, petiole, calyx and corolla of  medicinal species of A. orientalis in cross sections. As a result of the study, it was found out that the pith rays of the root composed 3 to 4 rowed cells and stem was quadrangular. The shape of pith cell in the stem was ovaidal-polygon. There were glandular and non-glandular hairs on the surface layers on stem, leaves, petiole, calyx and corolla. Starch particles were also detected in the cortex cells of stem. The stomata were diastatic and the leaf was bifacial. There were one big vascular bundle in the center and 4 to 5 small vascular bundles on each corner of the petiole. It was also determined that adaxial epidermis cell shapes of corolla are papillose type. Key words: Ajuga orientalis, anatomy, medicinal plant, Turkey.