Leaf Structure and Histochemical Investigation inPapaver rhoeasL. (Corn Poppy, Field Poppy)

The anatomy of the dorsiventral, amphistomatic leaf of Papaver rhoeas was investigated. It was a simple structure possessing large epidermal cells having their vacuole impregnated with glycoproteins which varied in texture, forming a dense, hard core in the middle of the vacuole. Slender rays of cisternae radiated from the dense central core to the cell wall. Thin-walled palisade cells presented a unique, lobed shape probably creating larger surfaces for gas exchange. Mesophyll cells secreted phenolics, condensed tannins, alkaloids, terpene containing steroids and sesquiterpenes. P. rhoeas although being a therophyte, has adopted some structural features common in mediterranean phanerophytes.