Abstract

ARAMBARRI, Ana M et al. Leaf ecoanatomy of trees and shrubs from Chacoan Occidental and Serrano Districts (Argentina). Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. [online]. 2011, vol.46, n.3-4, pp.251-270. ISSN 1851-2372.

The objective of this work was to evaluate foliar micrographic parameters to deepen our understanding of the plant-environment relationships, contributing to new technologies to preserve the forests of this area. Leaf material of specimens collected in chacoan biogeographic province with subtropical and dry climatic conditions, and from species growing in template and humid conditions were studied to compare leaf structure variations. Epidermal cells, stomata and trichomes by unit of area (mm-2), types of mesophyll, sclerenchymatic tissue and distribution were analyzed. These characters are affected by intraspecific and environmental factors. The main xeromorphic traits were: presence of epicuticular waxes, striate cuticle, sunken stomata with peristomatal ridges, epidermis bi or pluristratified and/or hypodermis, whole palisade or bilateral mesophyll with palisade tissue direct toward both epidermis, and presence of sclerenchyma. Some species like: Celtis ehrenbergiana, C. iguanaea, Jodina rhombifolia, Lycium cestroides, and Parkinsonia aculeata, exhibit from xeromorphic (e.g. amphistomatic and equifacial leaves) to mesomorphic characters (e.g. hypostomatic and bifacial leaves) with some hydromorphic features such as absence of sclerenchyma.

Keywords : Argentina; Chacoan province; Leaf anatomy; Trees.

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