Leaf anatomy of species of <I>Eugenia</I> L. (Myrtaceae) arising from the sandy coastal Algodoal/Maiandeua-Pará

Abstract

The increase in the number of species of Myrtaceae analyzed anatomically is needed to verify the reliability of higher taxonomic inferences. In order to contribute with structural data to Myrtaceae family and to Eugenia genus, the leaf anatomical structure of E. biflora (L.) DC., E. flavescens DC., E. patrisii Vahl. And E. tapacumensis Berg. arising from the sandy coastal Algodoal/Maiandeua-Pará was described. Some characteristics were irrespective of the four examined species: adaxial surface of epidermal cells with sinuous anticlinal walls; thick leaf cuticle; non-glandular unicellular trichomes; hypostomatic leaves; paracytic and anomocytic stomata; dorsiventral mesophyll; secretory cavities with positive oil content, principally at palisade parenchyma; secretory idioblasts with positive phenol and oil contents; bicollateral bundle on the midrib and petiole. The leaf anatomical structure of four examined species of Eugenia showed universal features to Myrtaceae.