Abstract

YAGUEDDU, Cristina et al. Cuphea glutinosa (Lythraceae) in Tandilia system hills: morphology and environment. Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2006, vol.41, n.3-4, pp.285-292. ISSN 1851-2372.

Cuphea glutinosa Cham. et Schlecht. is known by its diuretic and hypotensive properties. However, there are no studies of the relations of this species with the environment where it grows. The objectives of the present work were to determine the cover of C. glutinosa and its associated flora, to analyze themorphology and architecture in different environmental conditions and to characterize some soils where it grew. The study was carried out in three hills of the Tandilia System. Sierra Bachicha, slightly disturbed, presented the lowest cover of C. glutinosa , but the highest richness and diversity. Sierra de los Padres, highly disturbed, had the greatest cover, but the lowest richness and diversity. Morphological variations were observed in sites with low sunlight such as stem elongations, greater leaf size with less thickness and lower trichome density. C. glutinosa was found in soils with different depth, granulometry and chemical properties. This study shows that this species presents phenotypic plasticity and can grow in different environmental conditions. Nevertheless, it was more abundant and vigorous in open places with low vegetation height and heavy disturbance.

Keywords : Cuphea glutinosa; Lythraceae; Tandilia system; Associated flora; Phenotypic plasticity.

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