Fronds micromorphology of anatomical parameters among selected ferns species in Uzbekistan

This study explores the micromorphology with respect to fronds anatomical diversity of selected six species of ferns: Adiantum capillus-veneris L., Cystopteris fragilis (L.) Bernh., Asplenium ruta-muraria L., Asplenium trichomanes L., Asplenium ceterach L., and Dryopteris mindshelkensis Pavlov. Leaves were processed by immersing in 5% sodium hypochlorite to soften the tissues, followed by scraping to obtain transparent epidermal peels from both surfaces. The peels were stained with 1% safranin, rehydrated, mounted in glycerin, and analyzed under a light microscope for detailed measurements and visualization of epidermal cells (ECs), trichome structures, and stomatal morphotypes and dimensions on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. A. capillus-veneris features irregular, angular ECs on the abaxial surface and more uniform, elongated ECs on the adaxial surface, with anomocytic stomata on both sides. C. fragilis shows polygonal ECs and paracytic stomata. A. ruta-muraria shows irregular, polygonal ECs abaxially and more regular, elongated ECs adaxially, with anomocytic stomata. A. trichomanes has varied EC shapes and abundant trichomes on the abaxial surface, with larger, more regular ECs and less frequent trichomes adaxially. A. ceterach exhibits heterogeneous, polygonal ECs with multicellular trichomes and distinct stomatal complexes on the abaxial surface. D. mindshelkensis represents irregular ECs with multicellular trichomes and prominent stomatal complexes on the lower surface, while the adaxial surface shows more uniform ECs and fewer, more oval stomata. The observed variations in EC shapes, stomatal types, and trichome micromorphology reflect adaptive strategies and functional adaptations in selected fern species, potentially influencing their ecological interactions and environmental responses to climate change.