Contribution to morphology and anatomy study of domatia in <I>Ocotea</I> Aubl. species (Lauraceae) from the South of Brazil

Abstract

This paper includes the observation of leaves in 14 Ocolea Aubl. species, occurring in three States in the South of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Santa Catarina), in order to the study domatia, when these are present. In 5 species, there aren't any domatia. The morphology and anatomy aspects of domatia in 9 species are showed and discussed. With regard to outside structure, it was found distinct domatia pattern, but in the majority of the cases it exclusive for one species. However, aspects of the outside structure, together with aspects of the inside structure may contribute to the recognition ofthese species.