Study of some foxtail lilies species (Eremurus M. Bieb.) grown in the North-East of Romania

Abstract

Three species of Eremurus M. Bieb. grown at UASVM Iasi, Romania, were studied: E. himalaicus Baker, E. robustus Regel and E. stenophyllus (BOISS. & BUHSE) Bak. Some ornamental (morphologic and phenologic) features were analyzed and also the anatomic structure of the leaf, the content of photosynthetic pigments and the enzymatic activity of the leaves. The biometrical and phenological determinations indicate a good ecological adaptability of the plants, in accordance with similar reports. The anatomical differences between the three species are not very great, but the stomata in E. stenophillus and E. himalaicus are arranged at the same level as the epidermal surface while in E. robustus they are arranged a little lower, and the assimilating parenchyma layer is more developed in E. stenophillus and E. himalaicus than in E. robustus. At E. robustus and E. himalaicus a larger content of assimilatory pigments and a more reduced enzymatic activity were observed.