Comparative anatomy of leaves and stems in some species of the South American genus Chrysolaena (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) and taxonomic implications

SOSA, M. M.; VIA DO PICO, G. M.; DEMATTEIS, M.

NORDIC JOURNAL OF BOTANY

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2014 vol. 32 p. 611 - 619

0107-055X

Vegetative anatomical features are poorly known in the South American genus Chrysolaena . In this study, leaves andstems of six Chrysolaena species were described and compared morphologically and anatomically using diaphanization,microtome serial sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. Th e species diff ered in leaf epidermis, type of stomata,shape of anticlinal walls of epidermal cells, trichome density, and presence or absence in stems of small air spaces in thecortical parenchyma and of druse-shaped oxalate crystals. Furthermore, glandular trichomes and three types of nonglandulartrichomes with diff erent number of basal cells were identifi ed on leaves and stems. Collectively, these featuresproved instrumental to discriminate among the six studied species, suggesting that leaves and stems of Chrysolaena canrepresent a source for taxonomically useful characters. We also discuss anatomical features in relation to the environmentalconditions in the species ? habitats.