Petiole indumentum types of the genus Alchemilla (Rosaceae) from Iran

Petiole indumentum types of 24 species of the genus alchemilla were studied using scanning electron microscope (sem) and digital microscope. all the examined petioles were belonged to the well-developed basal leaves. two main indumentum types (cylindrical and flat ribbon shape) and seven subtypes including: dense appressed-subappressed; subappressed-erecto-patent; erecto-patent; dense erecto-patent; dense horizontal; glabri-horizontal-erecto-patent-declinate and declinate trichome were identified. the current results revealed that petiole micromorphological characters were taxonomically informative criteria and could be used in species classification. a key for species identification is presented.