AJMAP Reading Tools

Very abundant in North Africa, Pistacia lentiscus extends from Morocco and Spain to Minor Asia and Palestine. It reappears as a distinct breed, emarginata variety Ang. in Eastern Africa. P. lentiscus L.: the mastic tree of Pistacia genus (Anacardiaceae family) is a medicinal taxon. This study aims to reveal the microphytodermal structure of P. lentiscus leaflets from three sites (Maghnia, Beni-Saf and Tessala) under different  environmental conditions (Arid semi-continental and semiarid littoral and continental) from Northwest Algeria. Samples were treated and observed under light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results revealed a highly diversified structure for epidermal hypoamphystomatic leaflets. The stomata are in pericytic, actinocytic, paracytic and desmocytic types, never mentioned as stomatal complex of mastic tree before . Capitate and pelted glandular trichomes were observed. The climate impact is reflected differently by rugueues to smooth stomatal surfaces, strongly to slightly covered by wax particles. Continentality of the climate and high altitudes (989 m) are expressed by low stomatal density (272,50 st /mm²).