Evaluating Morphology-based Taxonomic Features for the Identification of Genera within the Anthemidinae (Asteraceae) Subtribe in European Türkiye

Abstract

The subtribe Anthemedinae, which belongs to the Asteraceae family, encompasses significant taxa with broad distribution. However, the identification, morphological characterization, and diagnosis of these taxa present considerable challenges. In this study, 20 species, subspecies, and varieties from the Anthemis, Cota, Tanacetum, and Tripleurospermum genera, which naturally occur in the European part of Turkey, were investigated. A total of 83 samples were qualitatively and quantitatively measured, focusing on taxonomic features that distinguish the genera. The analysis included an examination of habitus characteristics, life cycle, habit, stem length, branching, and colors. Diagnostic characters of the flowers, such as whether they were discoid or radiate, were determined by measuring the shape, length, and apex structure of the receptacular bracts, as well as the general characteristics of the ligulate flowers. Involucral bracts were analyzed separately as outer, median, and inner, with measurements taken for their shape, size, structure, and apex. Leaves were evaluated separately in terms of shape, fragmentation, and leaflet structures. Achenes were analyzed based on surface structure, size, and the presence or absence of auricle, corona, and gland structures in their apex. The taxonomic features within the determined in this study are useful for developing an identification key for the four genera in the current flora and for distinguishing species in future analyses