A Remarkable New Leaf Type With Unusual Photosynthetic Tissue in a Central Asiatic Genus of Chenopodiaceae

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Abstract
From the hygrohalophyteBorszczowia aralocaspicaBunge (Chenopodiaceae), a new leaf type with 1‐layered chlorenchyma is described as “borszczovoid” and compared with other leaf types in subfamily Salsoloideae. The chlorenchyma is suspected to represent a unique C4type. Evidence is cited from anatomical studies and documented by micrographs and Carbon isotope determinations (ä13C values). The 1‐layered photosynthetic tissue combines all essential anatomical characters of a 2‐layered chlorenchyma of regular C4plants and is in intimate contact with concentrically arranged peripheral bundles. The ä13C values are − 13.03 ‰ from young stems and − 13.78 ‰ from leaves. The results are discussed in the anatomical, physiological and taxonomic framework. In addition, from distantly‐relatedSuaedaspecies of section Conosperma the conospermoid leaf type is re‐described. It is characterized by typical palisade and Kranz layers and differs from the C4suaedoid type by an external water‐storaging hypodermis and an arrangement of Kranz cells reminiscent of the atriplicoid type from subfamily Chenopodioideae. From eight other species of Chenopodiaceae ä13C values are given for the first time.