HISTO-ANATOMY OF VEGETATIVE ORGANS OF SOME ARTEMISIA SPECIES

Aim: Comparative study of three medicinal species of Artemisia widespread in our country, focusing on the anatomical structures that contain bioactive compounds, such as glandular hairs and secretory ducts. Material and methods: The roots, stems and leaves of Artemisia annua, A. vulgaris and A. absinthium were preserved in 70% alcohol. Cross-sections were made using the common methodology and were further analyzed microscopically. Results: In the secondary structure of the stem there are differences related to the degree of lignification, more pronounced in A. annua, and the special structure of the phloem in A. vulgaris.  The leaf of A. vulgaris presents more vascular bundles in the median rib and A. annua has fewer protective trichomes on the leaf lamina. The root has a secondary structure with differences in the number of secretory ducts and cortex size. Conclusions: The structure of the stem and root is typical secondary with differences in the number and size of the secretory elements. Depending on light exposure, the leaf presents a heterogeneous symmetric or asymmetric mesophyll.