Article

In the genus Quercus L., distinction between nothotaxa and parental species is usually guite difficu lt, even impossible since macro-morphological characters are often inadeguate to taxonomical delimitation at specific rank. On the contrary, a better knowledge ofthe hybrids can great1 y help in the taxonomical understanding ofthe parents. In this contribution, micro-characters such as stornata, hairs, waxes and trichomes on leaf blades, have been studi ed by SEM, in both the hybrids Quercus xsoluntina, Q. xmorisii, Quercus xcrenata, Q.xbivoniana, Q. xfontanesii and the relevant parental taxa occurring in Sicily. This, in order to evaluate their possible employ in the current taxonomical practise. The results show that superfi cial microstuctures and wood anatomy as well, could be encouraged as additional characters to traditional taxonomy.