STUDY ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND ANATOMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TWO SPECIES WHICH ADAPTATION TO DROUGHT ENVIRONMENT OF CACTACEA FAMILY

Abstract

The research on morphological, anatomical and molecular markers of the drought tolerant properties in plants is topical issues and is of interest to many scientists. The results of this study as basis for biotechnological applications to improve drought tolerance of crops. This paper presents the results of analysis of morphological and anatomical characteristics of two species Epiphyllum oxypetalum  and Cactus. Their body and leaves are succulent, thick leaves are covered with cuticle and extra thick wax. Leaves of Epiphyllum oxypetalum plants  disappeared, stems and branches had modified to leaf shape. Leaves of Cactus plants decreases and changes into spikes. The roots and stems of Epiphyllum oxypetalum and Cactus plants have multiple layers of soft tissues, which are function to store water and nutrients  to ensure supplying enough for the plants in drought conditions. These morphological and anatomical characteristics are important markers that can be used in the analysis and evaluation of drought tolerant in plants.