Effect of Ecotype and Gender on the Variation of Leaf Morphological, Epidermal and Stomatal Traits among Pistacia atlantica Desf.

The Atlas pistachio tree is a typically Mediterranean species, which represents an important forest heritage in the arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria. It is deeply rooted in the local population's ' s culture, making it essential to better understand this species for its conservation and valorization. Through our work on 7 provenances of Pistacia atlantica distributed across different bioclimates in Algeria and based on 28 quantitative and qualitative leaf, trichome, and stomatal traits, it was revealed that the Atlas pistachio tree exhibits significant fi cant ecotypic variability linked to its habitat and a high adaptability to extreme conditions in its environments (aridity and altitude). Indeed, statistical analyses indicate a substantial heterogeneity in the studied characteristics among different ecotypes of P. atlantica. . Genetic factors undoubtedly play a primary role in this variability, but environmental factors also exert a remarkable impact on this heterogeneity. Gender also plays a crucial role in this variability. Microphotographs of leaf samples taken under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), such as the density and type of trichomes, and form and position of stomates in the epidermis, can provide an important taxonomic tool for identifying Pistacia species and valuable insights into their adaptation to xeric conditions, thus enabling their use in desertification fi cation control projects and the rehabilitation of highly degraded forest environments such as those found in the " Green Dam" " initiative.