LEAF AND STEM ANATOMY OF SPECIES OF CYTISOPHYLLUM, CYTISUS, CHAMAECYTISUS, GENISTA, AND GENISTA SECT TELINE (FABACEAE, GENISTEAE) AS AN AIDFOR TAXONOMY

The leaf and stem anatomies of several shrubby species of the Cytisus- Genista complex have been studied. The selected species have potential value for soil conservation and as feed for ruminants in the Mediterr anean basin. The usefulness of anatomy for identification of such spec ies and its value as an aid to clarify the taxonomy of the complex wer e examined. We conclude that leaf anatomy is of no taxonomic use at th e generic and infrageneric level. On the other hand, stem anatomy pres ents systematic value. The presence or absence of ribs and the occurre nce of vascular bundles within the ribs have proven useful to identify genera as well as to clarify the taxonomy of the complex at the gener ic level. The results support the generic arrangement proposed by Bisb y (1981). Some species can be identified by the presence of peculiar s tem anatomical traits.