Anatomic aspects of the leaves of <I>Ocotea porosa</I> (Nees et Mart. ex Nees) J. Angely (Lauraceae)

Abstract

Anatomic aspects of leaves of Ocotea porosa (mesophyll, leaf margin and midvein) are investigated. The leaves are dorsiventral, with the palisade parenchyma (with two cellular layers, adaxial) and spongy parenchyma (abaxial). Almost the whole leaf margin is occupied by mechanical tissue(sclerenchyma). The vascular bundle of the midvein is collateral, with the vascular cambium, being surrounded by a sheath of sclerenchyma. Needle and tablet-shaped crystals are found in the mesophyll. Idioblastic secretory cells with variable content (essential oils and/or mucilage) are observed in the mesophyll, margins and midvein.