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Boletín de la Sociedad Argentina de Botánica

On-line version ISSN 1851-2372

Bol. Soc. Argent. Bot. vol.43 no.1-2 Córdoba Jan./July 2008

 

Leaf anatomy of medicinal shrubs and trees from Misiones forest of the Paranaense Province (Argentina). Part 2.

Ana M. Arambarri1.*, Susana E. Freire1.2.3, Marta N. Colares1, Néstor D. Bayón1, María C. Novoa1, Claudia Monti1, and Sebastián A. Stenglein1.3

1Área de Botánica, Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, Calle 60 y 119, C.C. 31, 1900 La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina.
2Instituto de Botánica Darwinion, Labardén 200, C.C.22, B1642 HYD San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
3Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Argentina (CONICET)

*Corresponding author. Tel: +54-221-423-6758 int. 461; Fax: +54-221-425-2346. E-mail: anaramba@yahoo.com.ar; botgral@ceres.agro.unlp.edu.ar

 


Summary: The present paper contains the study of the second part of medicinal shrubs and trees from Paranaense province. Forty five species of shrubs and trees belonging to 29 families inhabiting Misiones forest of the Paranaense biogeographic province (Argentina) have been cited with medicinal properties. The work provides illustrations of diagnostic characters and conclusions of the main botanical differential traits, such as the presence of crystaliferous epidermis (e.g. Trixis divaricata subsp. divaricata); stomata and trichomes types (e. g. ciclocytic stomata in Pilocarpus pennatifolius and scale peltate trichomes in Tabebuia heptaphylla); midvein transection outlines (e.g. midvein convex and keel-shaped on the adaxial side in Schinus weinmanniifolia); presence and types of crystals (e.g. crystal sand in Cordia ecalyculata, raphides in Psychotria carthagenensis). This paper also gives an ecological interpretation of the species studied which shows predominantly a combination of mesomorphic (e.g. hypostomatic leaves, dorsiventral mesophyll) and xeromorphic leaf traits (e.g. thick cuticle, abundant sclerenchyma, multilayered epidermis, mesophyll formed exclusively by palisade parenchyma, multilayered hypodermis, presence of sclereids). Only two species (Ilex paraguariensis and Manihot grahamii) have mesomorphic (e.g. hypostomatic leaves, dorsiventral mesophyll) and hygromorphic leaf characters (e.g. epidermis glabrous). Finally, the work provides a key to distinguish 107 medicinal shrubs and trees from the Paranaense biogeographic province (Part 1: Gallery forests and Part 2: Misiones forest) that permit identified species using anatomy leaf characteristics.

Key words: Anatomy; Argentina; Misiones forest; Leaves; Medicinal plants; Paranaense biogeographic province.

Resumen: Anatomía foliar de arbustos y árboles medicinales de la Selva Misionera de la provincia Paranaense (Argentina). Parte 2. El presente trabajo corresponde a la segunda entrega del estudio de arbustos y árboles medicinales de la provincia biogeografica Paranaense. En esta parte, se analizaron 45 especies contenidas en 29 familias que habitan la Selva Misionera y han sido citadas con propiedades medicinales. El trabajo se acompaña con ilustraciones y se brinda una conclusión de los caracteres diagnósticos, tales como la presencia de epidermis cristalífera (e.g. Trixis divaricata subsp. divaricata); los tipos de estomas (e.g. ciclocíticos en Pilocarpus pennatifolius); y de tricomas (e.g. escamosos peltados en Tabebuia heptaphylla); el contorno de la vena media (e.g. convexa y aquillada en la cara adaxial en Schinus weinmanniifolia); la presencia y tipo de cristales (e.g. arena cristalina en Cordia ecalyculata, rafidios en Psychotria carthagenensis). También se provee una interpretación ecológica de las especies estudiadas cuyas hojas presentaron predominantemente una combinación de caracteres mesomórficos (e.g. hojas hipostomáticas, mesofilo dorsiventral) y xeromórficos (e.g. cutícula gruesa, esclerénquima abundante, epidermis pluriseriada, mesofilo indiferenciado en empalizada, hipodermis pluriseriada, esclereidas idioblásticas). Solamente dos especies, Ilex paraguariensis y Manihot grahamii, presentaron combinados caracteres mesomórficos (entre otros, hojas hipostomáticas y mesofilo dorsiventral) e higromórficos (epidermis glabra). Finalmente, se provee una clave para la diferenciación de 107 especies de arbustos y árboles medicinales, de la provincia biogeográfica Paranaense (Parte 1: Selvas en Galería y Parte 2: Selva Misionera) que permite identificar las especies utilizando caracteres anatómicos de la hoja.

Palabras clave: Anatomía; Argentina; Hoja; Plantas medicinales; Provincia biogeográfica Paranaense; Selva Misionera.


 

Introduction

This paper is the second part of the study of medicinal shrubs and trees from Paranaense province. The first part including the medicinal shrubs and trees of the Gallery forests, was published by Arambarri et al. (2006). Misiones forest is situated in the northeastern Argentina, extending from Misiones to northeastern Corrientes political provinces. From a biogeographic point of view, Misiones and Gallery forests belong to Paranaense province within the Amazonian dominion of Neotropical region (Cabrera & Willink, 1973). In this region, more than 100 native shrubs and trees have been cited as used for food, dressing, religious and magic ceremonies, and in folk medicine by native population (Hieronymus, 1882; González et al., 1939; Domínguez, 1928; Rodríguez & O'Donell, 1943; Martínez Crovetto, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1981; Edwin & Reitz, 1967; Burkart, 1979, 1987; Cristiani & Amorín, 1972; Mateu Amengual, 1974; Leonardis, 1975; Dimitri, 1978; Rotman, 1978, 1987, 1995; Sorarú & Bandoni, 1978; Ratera & Ratera, 1980; Toursarkissian, 1980; Sawchuk & Galeano, 1981; Xifreda, 1981; Zardini, 1984; Bernardi, 1985; Biloni, 1990; Amat & Vajía, 1991; Lahitte & Hurrell, 1994, 1999; Filipov, 1994; Marzocca, 1997; Amat & Yajía, 1998; Blariza et al., 1998; Chifa & Ricciardi, 2001; Eibl et al., 2002; Freire et al., 2002; López Villalba et al., 2002; Mastroberti & Mariath, 2003; Rondina et al., 2003; Alonso & Desmarchelier, 2005; Mandrile, 2005; Barboza et al., 2006). In order to increase the knowledge of native shrubs and trees with medicinal properties, we studied the leaf anatomy of 45 species belonging to 42 genera which are contained into 29 families from Misiones forest.

Results

On the basis of leaf anatomical features of 62 species from Gallery forests and 45 species from the Misiones forest the following key was generated:

Key to 107 shrubs and trees with medicinal properties from Paranaense biogeographic province (Misiones and Gallery forests)

1. Epidermis in surface view: stomata arranged in parallel rows.

  2. Hypodermis present. Ciclocytic or tetracytic stomata.

    3. Ciclocytic stomata. Mesophyll isobilateral. Idioblastic sclereids present.

                                                1. Araucaria angustifolia (Fig. 1)

    3'. Tetracytic stomata. Mesophyll indifferentiated. Idioblastic sclereids absent.

                                                2. Syagrus romanzoffiana

  2'. Hypodermis absent. Paracytic stomata.

    4. Stomatal apparatous of Dicotyledons type with reniform guard cells.
            Mesophyll with idioblastic sclereids containing crystals into their cavities.

                                                3. Ligaria cuneifolia

    4'. Stomatal apparatous of Poaceae (= Gramineae) type with osteocells as guard cells.
            Mesophyll without idioblastic sclereids.

                                                4. Guadua chacoensis (Fig. 1)

1'. Epidermis in surface view: stomata arranged at random.

  5. Indumentum of pilose nest type.

    6. Leaves bract-like. Ciclocytic stomata.

       7. Stem two winged.

                                                5. Baccharis articulata

       7'. Stem three winged.

                                                6. Baccharis microcephala

    6'. Leaves well developed. Anomocytic stomata.

                                                7. Eupatorium laevigatum

5'. Indumentum of other type or absent.

    8. Midvein vaulted (convex) on the adaxial side.

       9. Cystoliths in enlarged epidermal cells (lithocysts) present.

            10. Epidermis one layered. Parenchyma with crystal sand.

                                                8. Cordia ecalyculata (Fig. 1)

            10'. Epidermis multilayered. Parenchyma without crystal sand.

                                                9. Ficus luschnathiana

    9'. Cystoliths in enlarged epidermal cells (lithocysts) absent.

            11. Phloem of vascular bundles with resiniferous ducts.

                12. Midvein keel-shaped on the adaxial side. Mesophyll isobilateral.

                                                10. Schinus weinmanniifolia (Fig. 1)

                12'. Midvein not keel-shaped on the adaxial side. Mesophyll dorsiventral.

                     13. Petiole outline rounded, convex on the adaxial side. Vascular tissue formed by an arc of abaxial collateral vascular bundles and three or more inverse vascular bundles disposed adaxially.

                                                11. Astronium balansae

                     13'. Petiole outline semicircular, flat on the adaxial side. Vascular tissue formed by an arc of abaxial collateral vascular bundles but without vascular bundles disposed adaxially.

                                                12. Schinus longifolia var. longifolia

            11'. Phloem of vascular bundles without resiniferous ducts.

                14. Parenchyma with raphides.

                                                13. Phytolacca dioica

                14'. Parenchyma without raphides.

                   15. Petiole and/or leaf blade midvein with idioblastic sclereids in the parenchyma.

                   16. Epidermis crystalliferous. Mesophyll isobilateral.

                                                14. Maytenus ilicifolia (Fig. 2)

                   16'. Epidermis non crystalliferous. Mesophyll dorsiventral.

                       17. Midvein with one bicollateral vascular bundle. Collenchyma absent. Parenchyma with laticiferous tubes.

                                                15. Aspidosperma polyneuron (Fig. 2)

                       17'. Midvein with one to several collateral vascular bundles. Collenchyma present. Parenchyma without laticiferous tubes.

                          18. Hypodermis present. Petiole outline rounded without winged lobes.

                                                16. Hennecartia omphalandra (Fig. 2)

                          18'. Hypodermis absent. Petiole outline rounded with two winged lobes.

                                                17. Inga verna subsp. affinis

            15'. Petiole and/or leaf blade midvein without idioblastic sclereids in the parenchyma.

               19. Parenchyma with crystal sand.

                  20. Midvein with bicollateral vascular bundles.

                     21. Epidermis pubescent, with stalked, multiangulate stellate trichomes.

                                                18. Solanum granulosum-leprosum

                     21'. Epidermis glabrous or with other type of trichomes.

                                                19. Nicotiana glauca

                  20'. Midvein with collateral vascular bundles.

                     22. Midvein with a collateral vascular bundle. Palisade parenchyma 1-layered.

                                                20. Sambucus australis

                     22'. Midvein with an arc of collateral vascular bundles and inverse vascular bundles disposed adaxially. Palisade parenchyma 2-3 layered.

                                                21. Patagonula americana

               19'. Parenchyma without crystal sand.

                     23. Mesophyll with multilayered and collenchymatous hypodermis under both leaf blade surfaces. Petiole with two rings of collateral vascular bundles with the xylem facing one another.

                                                22. Schefflera morototoni (Fig. 2)

                     23'. Mesophyll without these characteristics.

                        24. Abaxial epidermis with woolly pubescence (densely covered with long tangled trichomes).

                           25. Adaxial epidermis 1-layered. Mesophyll dorsiventral. Petiole outline subcircular with a horseshoe-shaped vascular tissue.

                                                23. Luehea divaricata

                           25'. Adaxial epidermis multilayered. Mesophyll indifferentiated, with two layers of palisade parenchyma. Petiole outline lobate with a lobate ring of vascular tissue.

                                                24. Cecropia pachystachya (Fig. 3)

                        24'. Abaxial epidermis with trichomes or not, but never woolly pubescent.

26. Midvein and petiole with 3-9 separated collateral vascular bundles arranged in a row.

                                                25. Tessaria integrifolia var. integrifolia

                           26'. Midvein and petiole with one or numerous collateral or bicollateral vascular bundles never distributed in a row.

                              27. Stomata anomocytic, anisocytic, diacytic and/or ciclocytic.

                                 28. Midvein keel-shaped on the adaxial side.

                                     29. Mesophyll dorsiventral. Trichomes glandular multicellular, and non-glandular 1-multicellular.

                                                                  26. Allophylus edulis

                                                                                          27. Pouteria salicifolia

                                     29'. Mesophyll isobilateral. Trichomes T-shaped.

                                 28'. Midvein not keel-shaped on the adaxial side.

                                    30. Leaf blade surfaces pubescent (trichomes glandular and non-glandular).

                                        31. Trichomes T-shaped.

                                                28. Pouteria gardneriana

                                        31'. Trichomes of other types.

                                           32. Stellate trichomes present. Parenchyma with conspicuous secretory cavities.

                                               33. Leaf blade amphistomatic with a few stomata adaxially. Petiole with a ring of separated vascular bundles.

                                                   34. Glandular trichomes with 1-celled head.

                                                                                              29. Monteiroa glomerata

                                                   34'. Glandular trichomes with multicellular head.

                                                                                                   30. Hibiscus striatus

                                               33'. Leaf blade hypostomatic. Petiole with a continuous ring of vascular tissue. Glandular trichomes with multicellular head.

                                                                                               31. Pavonia sepium subsp. sepium

                                           32'. Stellate trichomes absent. Parenchyma without (at least inconspicuous) secretory cavities.

                                              35. Non-glandular and verrucose trichomes over pedestal.

                                                  36. Midvein with one abaxial collateral vascular bundle and two inverse bundles disposed adaxially. Leaf blade hypostomatic.

                                                                                           32. Lantana camara

                                                  36'. Midvein with one abaxial collateral vascular bundle and three or more inverse bundles disposed adaxially. Leaf blade amphistomatic.

                                                                                           33. Lippia alba

                                              35'. Non-glandular and smooth or verrucose trichomes without pedestal.

                                                 37. Midvein with medullar vascular bundles.

                                                                                              34. Cedrela fissilis

 

                                                 37'. Midvein without medullar vascular bundles.

                                                      38. Midvein with vascular tissue distributed in a horseshoe-shaped. Petiole with an arc of vascular bundles.

                                                                                                      35. Terminalia australis

                                                      38'. Midvein with vascular tissue not distributed in a horseshoe-shaped. Petiole with a circle of numerous vascular bundles.

                                                                                                      36. Ruprechtia salicifolia (Fig. 3)

                                    30'. Leaf blade surfaces glabrous or glabrate.

                                       39. Parenchyma with druses.

                                           40. Epidermis 2-layered. Parenchyma with large secretory cavities.

                                                                                           37. Ceiba speciosa

                                           40'. Epidermis 1-layered. Parenchyma without large secretory cavities.

                                              41. Hypodermis present.

                                                  42. Hypodermis abaxial. Large styloids within the palisade cells. Petiole with three separated vascular bundles.

                                                                                                  38. Phyllanthus sellowianus

                                                  42'. Hypodermis abaxial and adaxial Styloids absent. Petiole with one vascular bundle.

                                                                                                  39. Quillaja brasiliensis (Fig. 3)

                                           41'. Hypodermis absent.

                                              43. Midvein with bicollateral vascular bundles.

                                                  44. Epidermis with glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Anticlinal palisade cell walls sinuous.

                                                                                           40. Cestrum parqui

                                                  44'. Epidermis with only glandular trichomes. Anticlinal palisade cell walls not sinuous.

                                                                                                  41. Cestrum euanthes

                                           43'. Midvein with collateral vascular bundles.

                                              45. Midvein with a medullar secretory duct. Petiole and petiolule with medullar and perimedullar secretory ducts.

                                                                                         42. Picrasma crenata (Fig. 3)

                                              45'. Midvein, petiole and petiolule without secretory ducts.

                                                                                              43. Gleditsia amorphoides var. amorphoides

                                       39'. Parenchyma without druses.

                                          46. Epidermis with T-shaped trichomes.

                                                                                       28. Pouteria gardneriana

                                         46'. Epidermis without trichomes.

                                                               44. Chrysophyllum marginatum

                                 27'. Stomata paracytic.

                                    47. Porrect stellate trichomes and glandular trichomes with 1-celled head present.

                                                                                       45. Croton urucurana

                                    47'. Porrect stellate trichomes and glandular trichomes with 1-celled head absent.

                                        48. Leaf blade hypostomatic.

                                           49. Petiole with two adaxial obtuse or winged lobes.

                                              50. Petiole with winged lobes. Midvein with a bicollateral vascular bundle.

                                                                                       46. Rauvolfia sellowii

                                              50'. Petiole with obtuse lobes. Midvein with collateral vascular bundles.

                                                   51. Midvein with numerous collateral vascular bundles, disposed abaxially, laterally and adaxially. Parenchyma with secretory ducts.

                                                                                           47. Rheedia brasiliensis (Fig. 4)

                                                   51'. Midvein with one vascular bundle. Parenchyma without secretory ducts.

                                                                                                         48. Senna corymbosa

                                                   49'. Petiole without adaxial lobes.

                                                      52. Petiole with a ring of vascular tissue.

                                                          53. Petiole with subepidermal parenchyma, and collenchyma disposed internally. Midvein with druses.

                                                                                                   49. Manihot flabellifolia

                                                          53'. Petiole with subepidermal collenchyma, and aerenchyma disposed internally. Midvein with macles non druses.

                                                                                                   50. Erythrina crista-galli

                                                      52'. Petiole without a ring of vascular tissue.

                                                         54. Druses absent. Parenchyma with oil cells.

                                                          55. Petiole with vascular tissue surrounded by fibres.

                                                                                                          51. Ocotea diospyrifolia

                                                          55'. Petiole with vascular tissue not surrounded by fibres.

                                                            56. Parenchyma with styloids and microcrystals.

                                                                                                                    52. Ocotea acutifolia

                                                            56'. Parenchyma with solitary crystals and macles.

                                                                                                                        53. Nectandra angustifolia

                                                         54'. Druses present. Parenchyma without oil cells.

                                                                                                                        54. Casearia sylvestris

                                                   48'. Leaf blade amphistomatic.

                                                      57. Laticiferous tubes present.

                                                        58. Mesophyll dorsiventral.

                                                           59. Midvein with a bicollateral, V-shaped, vascular bundle. Latex with resinous appearance.

                                                                                                      55. Tabernaemontana catharinensis

                                                           59'. Midvein with a collateral, never V-shaped, vascular bundle. Latex with translucent milky appearance.

                                                                                                                      56. Sebastiania brasiliensis

                                                         58'. Mesophyll isobilateral.

                                                                                             57. Sapium haematospermum

                                                     57'. Laticiferous tubes absent.

                                                                                       58. Salix humboldtiana

    8'. Midvein flatened (flat or concave) on the adaxial side.

       60. Epidermis with scale peltate trichomes.

          61. Scale flattened with entire margin.

            62. Adaxial epidermis 1-layered.

              63. Petiole with secretory cavities in the cortex.

                64. Mesophyll with druses.

                                                        59. Fagara hyemalis

                64'. Mesophyll without druses.

                  65. Stellate trichomes present. Midvein with vascular tissue surrounded by sclerenchyma.

                                                60. Fagara rhoifolia

                  65'. Stellate trichomes absent. Midvein with vascular tissue surrounded by parenchyma.

                                                61. Esenbeckia febrifuga

                  63'. Petiole without secretory cavities in the cortex.

                                                      62. Myrsine laetevirens

               62'. Adaxial epidermis 2-layered.

                                    63. Tabebuia heptaphylla

            61'. Scale flattened with irregularly notched margin. Mesophyll with druses.

                                                      64. Styrax leprosus (Fig. 4)

         60'. Epidermis glabrous or with other type of trichomes.

           66. Trichomes with cystolith-like structures.

             67. Mesophyll with crystal sand.

                                             65. Cordia curassavica

             67'. Mesophyll without crystal sand.

               68. Petiole two lobed adaxially, each lobe with one vascular bundle.

                                             66. Aloysia virgata var. virgata

               68'. Petiole two lobed adaxially, each lobe with two vascular bundle.

                                             67. Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima

            66'. Trichomes without cystolith-like structures.

               69. Presence of T-shaped trichomes (malpighiaceous).

                  70. Adaxial epidermis glabrous.

                                                      68. Gochnatia polymorpha subsp. ceanothifolia

                  70'. Adaxial epidermis pubescent.

                                                      69. Heteropteris glabra

              69'. Absence of T-shaped trichomes (malpighiaceous).

                  71. Epidermis with candelabraform trichomes.

                     72. Glandular trichomes with 2-multicellular head.

                                    70. Buddleja thyrsoides

                     72'. Glandular trichomes absent.

                                          71. Buddleja brasiliense

                  71'. Epidermis without candelabraform trichomes.

                    73. Petiole with idioblastic sclereids in the cortex.

                        74. Epidermis pubescent with glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Petiole with a ring of vascular tissue.

                                                      72. Guarea macrophylla subsp. spicaeflora

                        74'. Epidermis glabrate with sparse pubescence of non-glandular trichomes. Petiole with an arc of separated vascular bundles.

                                                                        73. Rollinia emarginata

                    73'. Petiole without idioblastic sclereids in the cortex.

                       75. Parenchyma with druses.

                           76. Mesophyll formed exclusively by palisade parenchyma.

                                                            74. Bauhinia forficata subsp. pruinosa

                           76'. Mesophyll differentiated (isobilateral or dorsiventral).

                              77. Mesophyll isobilateral.

                                 78. Hypodermis present. Stomata anomocytic. Few non-glandular and unicellular trichomes over the abaxial (dorsal) face of the petiole.

                                                                                 75. Myrcianthes pungens

                                 78'. Hypodermis absent. Stomata paracytic. Trichomes absent.

                                                                                                   76. Blepharocalyx salicifolius

                             77'. Mesophyll dorsiventral.

                                 79. Parenchyma of the leaf blade and petiole with secretory cavities.

                                   80. Stomata ciclocytic. Trichomes glandular peltate, sunken in epidermal depressions.

                                                                  77. Pilocarpus pennatifolius

                                   80'. Stomata not ciclocytic. Trichomes of other type or absent.

                                      81. Hypodermis present (adaxially).

                                        82. Hypodermis 1-layered.

                                           83. Mesophyll with palisade parenchyma 3-4-layered. Midvein with chlorenchyma adaxial.

                                                                      78. Myrceugenia glaucescens

                                           83'. Mesophyll with palisade parenchyma 1-layered. Midvein with collenchyma adaxial.

                                                                                      79. Eugenia uruguayensis

                                        82'. Hypodermis 2-layered. Mesophyll

                                                                                                                                 80. Hexaclamys edulis

                                      81'. Hypodermis absent.

                                         84. Midvein concave adaxially. Mesophyll with palisade parenchyma 2-layered.

                                                                            81. Eugenia involucrata

                                         84'. Midvein flat adaxially. Mesophyll with palisade parenchyma 1-layered.

                                            85. Petiole with vascular tissue surrounded by mechanical tissue not lignified. Druses numerous.

                                                                            82. Eugenia uniflora

                                           85'. Petiole with vascular tissue surrounded by mechanical tissue lignified. Druses scarce.

                                                                            83. Eugenia pitanga

                                 79'. Parenchyma of the leaf blade and petiole without secretory cavities.

                                    86. Adaxial epidermis with secretory structures. Abaxial epidermis conspicuously papillose.

                                                                  84. Jacaratia spinosa (Fig. 4)

                                    86'. Adaxial and abaxial epidermis without these characteristics.

                                       87. Petiole with adaxial winged lobes.

                                          88. Epidermis crystaliferous. Midvein with an arc of 3-4 separated collateral vascular bundles.

                                                                              85. Trixis divaricata subsp. divaricata

                                          88'. Epidermis not crystaliferous. Midvein with one collateral vascular bundle.

                                                                                    86. Vernonia scorpioides

                                       87'. Petiole with or without adaxial lobes, but never winged.

                                          89. Petiole with two obtuse lobes. Vascular tissue dispossed in a horseshoe-shaped.

                                                                              87. Ilex paraguariensis

                                          89'. Petiole without lobes.

                                              90. Hypodermis present, adaxially. Petiole outline rounded, with a ring of vascular bundles, and groups of phloem in medullar position.

                                                                                    88. Vitex megapotamica

                                              90'. Hypodermis absent. Petiole outline semicircular, with only one vascular bundle, and without groups of phloem in medullar position.

                                                                                            89. Symplocos uniflora

                           75'. Parenchyma without druses.

                              91. Parenchyma with raphides.

                                                      90. Psychotria carthagenensis

                              91'. Parenchyma without raphides.

                                 92. Parenchyma with crystal sand.

                                                      91. Coutarea hexandra f. pubescens (Fig. 4)

                                 92'. Parenchyma without crystal sand.

                                     93. Leaf blade with sclerenchymatic tissue under both epidermis and in the midvein around the vascular bundle. Petiole with sclerenchymatic cortex.

                                                                  92. Berberis ruscifolia

                                    93'. Leaf blade and petiole without these characteristics.

                                       94. Trichomes 3-4-celled with a flagellate apical cell.

                                                                  93. Baccharis coridifolia

                                       94'. Trichomes, when present, without flagellate apical cell.

                                          95. Stomata anomocytic, anisocytic and/or diacytic.

                                             96. Petiole with adaxial winged lobes.

                                                97. Midvein with one collateral vascular bundle.

                                                   98. Petiole with discontinuous subepidermal collenchyma. Epidermis only with glandular trichomes.

                                                                              94. Eupatorium ceratophyllum

                                                   98'. Petiole without collenchyma. Epidermis with glandular and non-glandular trichomes.

                                                                                                      95. Eupatorium inulifolium

                                                97'. Midvein with an arc of collateral vascular bundles disposed abaxially and a variable number of inverse vascular bundles adaxially.

                                                                                                96. Lantana megapotamica

                                             96'. Petiole without adaxial winged lobes.

                                                99. Epidermis pubescent.

                                                    100. Glandular trichomes present.

                                                        101. Non-glandular trichomes over pedestals.

                                                                                                        97. Lantana montevidensis

                                                    100'. Glandular trichomes absent. Non-glandular trichomes with other characteristics.

                                                        101. Epidermis papillose on both surfaces. Midvein located asymmetrically.

                                                                                                                98. Enterolobium contortisiliquum

                                                        101'. Epidermis non-papillose. Midvein located symmetrically.

                                                            102. Leaf blade hypostomatic. Parenchyma with laticiferous tubes.

                                                                                                                99. Sorocea bonplandii

                                                            102'. Leaf blade amphistomatic. Parenchyma without laticiferous tubes.

                                                                                                                100. Sesbania punicea

                                                99'. Epidermis glabrous.

                                                    103. Petiole with two adaxial lobes. Mesophyll with secretory cavities.

                                                         104. Leaf blade hypostomatic. Mesophyll dorsiventral with palisade parenchyma multilayered.

                                                                                                101. Myrocarpus frondosus

                                                         104'. Leaf blade amphistomatic. Mesophyll non-dorsiventral.

                                                                                                                  102. Poiretia tetraphylla

                                                    103'. Petiole without lobes. Mesophyll without secretory cavities.

                                                                                                        103. Chrysophyllum gonocarpum

                                             95'. Stomata paracytic.

                                                105. Midvein flat on both sides, adaxial and abaxial. Oil cells and cavities absent.

                                                   106. Epidermis abaxial papillose. Midvein located asymmetrically.

                                                                                                104. Parapiptadenia rigida

                                                   106'. Epidermis abaxial non-papillose. Midvein located symmetrically.

                                                                                                105. Calliandra parvifolia

                                                105'. Midvein flat only on the adaxial side. Oil cells and cavities present.

                                                    107. Petiole pubescent. Mesophyll with microcrystals.

                                                                                                        106. Nectandra lanceolata

                                                    107'. Petiole glabrous. Mesophyll without microcrystals.

                                                                                                        107. Ocotea puberula


Fig. 1
. Leaf characteristics in transection and surface view. A-D: Araucaria angustifolia. A, leaf blade showing isobilateral mesophyll; compartmented cells and resiniferous ducts among vascular bundles, and idioblastic sclereids; B, thickness of epidermal anticlinal cell walls in surface view; C, a ciclocytic stoma with cuticular thickening of the guard cell polar regions; D, a schyzogenous duct. E-H: Guadua chacoensis. E, leaf blade transection, indifferentiated mesophyll, translucent cells nearly vascular bundles; F, sheath transection; G, hook and bicellular trichomes, large and short cells (suberose and silicose); H, abaxial epidermis slightly papillose. I-L: Cordia ecalyculata. I, midvein with an arc of abaxial separated vascular bundles and some disposed adaxially; J, petiole; K, adaxial epidermis, one cystolith in transection; L, adaxial epidermis showing the peduncle of one cystolith in surface view. M-P: Schinus weinmanniifolia. M, midvein keel-shaped adaxially; N, petiole transection; O, petiolule winged adaxially; P, abaxial epidermis showing anticlinal cell wall puntuations, cuticular ornamentation, and an anomocytic stoma. Bars: A, F = 300µm; B-D, G, P = 50µm; E, K, L = 100µm; H = 30µm; I, M = 500µm; J, N, O = 1 mm.


Fig. 2
. Leaf characteristics in transection and surface view. A-D: Maytenus ilicifolia. A, midvein and mesophyll isobilateral; B, petiole, parenchyma with idioblastic sclereids; C, adaxial epidermis crystalliferous, thick anticlinal cell walls; D, abaxial epidermis crystalliferous, thin anticlinal cell walls. E-H: Aspidosperma polyneuron. E, midvein, collenchyma absent and a bicollateral vascular bundle; F, petiole, numerous clusters of idioblastic sclereids; G, adaxial epidermis showing cuticular ornamentation; H, abaxial epidermis with an anomocytic stoma. I-L: Hennecartia omphalodes. I, midvein with adaxial chlorenchyma under collenchyma; J, petiole outline rounded with a ring of collenchyma and clusters of idioblastic sclereids; K, adaxial epidermis and hypodermis in transection; L, abaxial epidermis showing a paracytic stoma in surface view. M-O: Schefflera morototoni. M, midvein with numerous secretory ducts; N, portion of petiole in transection, showing the two rings of vascular bundles with the xylem facing one another; O, petiolule. Bars: A, E, I = 500µm; B, C = 100µm; D, G, H, K, L = 50µm; F, J, M, N, O = 1 mm.


Fig. 3
. Leaf characteristics in transection and surface view. A-D: Cecropia pachystachya. A, midvein, collenchyma adaxial and abaxial; mesophyll indifferentiated (palisade parenchyma); B, portion of the lobate petiole and vascular tissue; C, adaxial epidermis in surface view, showing a conical secretory structure; D, adaxial epidermis multilayered with a secretory structure in transection. E-H: Ruprechtia salicifolia. E, midvein with numerous separated vascular bundles and abundant sclerenchyma; F, petiole with a circle of numerous vascular bundles; G, adaxial epidermis in surface view; H, abaxial epidermis exhibiting a stoma, in surface view. I-M: Quillaja brasiliensis. I, midvein, one collateral vascular bundles with xylematic and phloematic cups of sclerenchyma; J, petiole pubescent; K, adaxial epidermis and hypodermis in transection, showing the thickness of outer periclinal epidermal cell walls and a strong cuticle; L, adaxial epidermis in surface view; M, a non-glandular trichome. N-Q: Picrasma crenata. N, midvein, adaxial chlorenchyma lower collenchyma, one medular secretory duct; O, petiole, subcircular outline, a ring of vascular tissue and medullary bundles, and numerous secretory ducts; P, petiolule; Q, abaxial epidermis with cuticular ornamentation. Bars: A, B, F, O, P = 1 mm; C, D, G, H, K, L, Q = 50µm; E = 300µm; I, J, N = 500µm; M = 25µm.


Fig. 4
. Leaf characteristics in transection and surface view. A-D: Rheedia brasiliensis. A, midvein showing chlorenchyma adaxial and the vascular tissue surrounded by a ring of sclerenchyma; B, petiole; C, adaxial epidermis with thick anticlinal cell walls, in surface view; D, abaxial epidermis with a paracytic stoma and cuticular ornamentation. E-I: Styrax leprosus. E, midvein flattened adaxially; F, petiole; G, a scale peltate trichome in surface view; H, adaxial epidermis with anticlinal cell walls thickened; I, epidermis transection showing enlarged epidermal cells in anticlinal direction, and palisade parenchyma with an idioblastic cell containing a druse. J-N: Jacaratia spinosa. J, midvein concave and without collenchyma, adaxially; K, portion of petiole showing the cortex and then a ring of sclerenchyma surrounding the vascular tissue; L, adaxial epidermis in surface view showing a secretory structure; M, adaxial epidermis exhibiting a secretory structure in transection; N, abaxial epidermis conspicuously papillose, in transection. O-R: Coutarea hexandra f. pubescens. O, midvein flattened adaxially; P, petiole conspicuously pubescent; Q, adaxial epidermis showing a non-glandular trichome; R, abaxial epidermis with a paracytic stoma. Bars: A, E, F, J, O, P = 500µm; B, K = 1 mm; C, D, G-I, L = 50µm; M, N, Q, R = 100µm.

Conclusions

Character value

Epidermal features and leaf anatomy have high diagnostic value at specific level and/or at family level: (1) crystaliferous epidermis characterized two species Maytenus ilicifolia and Trixis divaricata subsp. divaricata; (2) cystolith-like structure in trichomes are present in Aloysia virgata var. virgata and Cordia curassavica. This structure in trichomes confirms the relationships among the families Verbenaceae and Boraginaceae to which the species are belong respectively; (3) the ciclocytic stomata type is present in Araucaria angustifolia and Pilocarpus pennatifolius; (4) Cordia ecalyculata has cystoliths in its uniseriate epidermis; (5) Schefflera morototoni can be distinguished by its multilayered and colenquimatous hypodermis distributed on both surfaces, and the presence of two cicles of vascular bundles in the petiole; (6) Cecropia pachystachya is characterized by having the leaf blade mesophyll formed by palisade parenchyma exclusively, and lobed petiole outline; (7) scale peltate trichomes are diagnostic epidermal traits in Styrax leprosus (Styracaceae) and Tabebuia heptaphylla (Bignoniaceae), and located in epidermal depressions in Esenbeckia febrifuga (Rutaceae); (8) laticiferous tubes recognized by their coloured latex are present in Sapotaceae and Apocynaceae; (9) bicollateral vascular bundles are diagnostic leaf traits of the families: Apocynaceae, Myrtaceae and Solanaceae; 10) secretory ducts into the phloematic parenchyma are conspicuous and a definite microcharacter in family Anacardiaceae; 11) epidermal heteromorphic cells over the secretory cavities are a diagnostic trait in Myrtaceae; 12) paracytic stomata and oil cells characterized the family Lauraceae; 13) very small druses uniquely were found in Verbenaceae, and 14) large secretory cavities are diagnostic features relating the families Bombacaceae and Malvaceae.

Ecological implications

The species studied show predominantly a combination of mesomorphic and xeromorphic leaf structures, e.g. Aspidosperma polyneuron, Ceiba speciosa, Gleditsia amorphoides var. amorphoides, Hexaclamys edulis. As mesomorphic characters can be mentioned: (1) the majority of studied species have hypostomatic leaves, and the stomata lie at epidermis level; (2) thirty eight of the total forty five analyzed taxa have dorsiventral leaves; (3) most of species exhibit a well developed spongy parenchyma rich in intercellular spaces. Within xeromorphic features may be mentioned: (1) anticlinal cell walls straight to curved; (2) anticlinal and outer periclinal epidermal cell walls thick; (3) cuticle thick and/or ornamented; (4) epidermis multilayered or when 1-layered formed by large cells; (5) hypodermis on one or both leaf surfaces. However, twenty six species have also some hygromorphic features such as epidermis glabrous, anticlinal cell walls undulate, leaves amphistomatic or/and stomata elevated, e.g. Aloysia virgata var. virgata, Chrysophyllum spp., Cordia spp., Guadua chacoensis, Jacaratia spinosa, Myrcianthes pungens, Sebastiania brasiliensis, Tabernaemontana catharinensis, Trixis divaricata subsp. divaricata. Only two species, Ilex paraguariensis and Manihot grahamii have mesomorphic and hygromorphic traits. Most of xeromorphic features / sun leaf type, such as a thick and/or ornamented cuticle, e.g. Pilocarpus pennatifolius (Rutaceae); thick cuticle and abundant sclerenchyma e.g. Gleditsia amorphoides var. amorphoides (Fabaceae); multilayered epidermis, e.g. Cecropia pachystachya (Cecropiaceae); presence of hypodermis 2-layered e.g. Hexaclamys edulis (Myrtaceae); collenchymatous and multilayered hypodermis e.g. Schefflera morototoni (Araliaceae); mesophyll with palisade parenchyma multilayered e.g. Patagonula americana (Boraginaceae); mesophyll formed exclusively by palisade parenchyma e.g. Cecropia pachystachya (Cecropiaceae); parenchyma with idioblastic sclereids e.g. Aspidosperma polyneuron (Apocynaceae), seems to be an adaptation of the big trees to exposed situations with high level of solar irradiance.

Table 1. List of studied species and ecological leaf characteristics elaborated on the basis of criteria of the xeromorphy, mesomorphy, hygromorphy, sun leaf type, mediumleaf type and shade leaf type of Roth (1984). Abbreviations: Acellws: anticlinal cell walls; abx: abaxial; adx: adaxial; C: cuticle; E: epidermis; Ecw: epicuticular waxes; H:hypodermis; L: leaves; M: mesophyll; Pcellws: periclinal cell walls; Pp: palisade parenchyma; Scl: sclerenchyma; St: stomata.

Appendix 1. List of studied species with specimen vouchers and ethnobotany use. The numbers within parentheses indicate the references listed at the end. Abbreviation: Jardín Botánico y Arboretum «C. Spegazzini», Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias y Forestales, UNLP: FCAF.

Aloysia virgata (Ruiz & Pav.) Juss. var. virgata (Verbenaceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 4XI-1970, Dimitri & Amorín 58 (LPAG). Leaves, stems and flowers: to reduce menstruation. Leaves: external use as antimicotic (1).

Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze (Araucariaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 8IX-2006, Martínez 108 (LPAG 4424). Misiones, Eldorado, 2-III-2005, Martínez 35 (LPAG). Resin: antiseptic (2). Seeds: edible (3, 4).

Aspidosperma polyneuron Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 17-IX-1970, Dimitri & Amorín 68 (LPAG); Eldorado, 22-III-2005, Martínez 43 (LPAG). Expectorant, anticatarrhal (5).

Astronium balansae Engl. (Anacardiaceae). Santa Fe, General Obligado, 10-I-1937, Ragonese 2413 (LP). Leaves: analgesic, febrifuge, in treatment of insolation (6); analgesic, to treat cephalalgia (2); purgative (1).

Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Cecropiaceae). Corrientes, Capital, 5-X-1973, sin colector, s.n. (LPAG 1004). Misiones, Eldorado, 23-III-2005, Martínez 46 (LPAG); Parque Nac. Iguazú, 16-IX1970, Dimitri & Amorín 1181 (LPAG). Leaves: expectorant, antiasthmatic, bronchitis, sedative, diuretic, cardiotonic (oficial drug monographied in 5th edition of the Farmacopea Nacional Argentina) (7). Leaves: tonic, pectoral, cardiotonic, diuretic, anticatarrhal, antiasthmatic (2, 5, 8). Leaves: are useful to control cough (1). Trunk juice is used against cutaneous bores and the twig juice has properties as antidiarrheic (5). Leaves and cork: expectorant, tonic and anti-inflammatory (9). Fruits: edible (9-11). This species is in 6th edition of the Farmacopea Nacional Argentina and it was incorporated in the Program for Atención Primaria de la Salud in Misiones (12, 13).

Cedrela fissilis Vell. (Meliaceae). Buenos Aires, FCAF, XI-2004, Monti 26 (LPAG). Misiones, Eldorado, 23-III-2005, Martínez 36 (LPAG). Cortex and wood: febrifuge, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial (2, 3, 8). Cortex: febrifuge, emetic, astringent, hepatic. Leaves: to treat urinary illnesses (13).

Ceiba speciosa (A. St.-Hil.) Ravenna (Bombacaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, 17-VIII-2004, Stenglein 19 (LPAG); 30-IX-2005, Arambarri 252 (LPAG). Flowers and thorns: analgesic and diuretic (2, 14). Seeds have 15-20% of oil with industrial applications and edible. Cortex sap: to treat hernia. Thorns: analgesic, antiasthmatic and to treat alcoholism (4).

Chrysophyllum gonocarpum (Mart. & Eichler) Engl. (Sapotaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 8XI-2005, Arambarri 254 (LPAG). Corrientes, Santa Teresa, 22-III-1954, Petersen 2644 (LP). Fruits: eaten directly or as candy. It were used by the Jesuits as medicine (3, 15).

Chrysophyllum marginatum (Hook. & Arn.) Radlk. (Sapotaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 8XI-2005, Arambarri 253 (LPAG). Corrientes, Concepción, 4-V-1974, Petersen 1072 (LP). Leaves and leafy stems: expectorant (1). Fruits: edible (3).

Cordia curassavica (Jacq.) Roem. & Schult. (Boraginaceae). Corrientes, Mburucuyá, 9-X-1954, Cabrera 11680 (LP). Jujuy, Ledesma, 15-X-1964, Cabrera & Fabris 15971 (LP). Leaves and leafy stems: vermifuge, antispasmodic, digestive, antitoxic, to cure cough (1). Leaves: antiinflammatory (16).

Cordia ecalyculata Vell. (Boraginaceae). Misiones, Eldorado, 30-III-2003, Martínez 59 (LPAG); Parque Nac. Iguazú, 6-XII-1971, Volkart s.n. (LPAG 4449). Leaves: carditonic, tonic (2). Fruits: with a viscid substance which is used as glue. Fruits are also palatable for wild animals (3).

Coutarea hexandra (Jacq.) K. Schum. f. pubescens (Pohl) Steyerm. (Rubiaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, Jardín Sistemático de la Facultad de Agronomía, I-1969, Volkart s.n. (LPAG 4195). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 9-I-1971, Dimitri s.n. (LPAG 4194). Cortex: febrifuge (17).

Esenbeckia febrifuga (A. St.-Hil.) A. Juss. ex Mart. (Rutaceae). Argentina. Misiones. Puerto Iguazú. 13-XI-1969, Hualde 42 (LPAG 2386); 3-XI-1973 (LPAG 2389). Brasil, Paraná, 17-IV-1964, Hatschbach s.n. (LP). Cortex: febrifuge, substitute of quinina (Peruvian bark) (2); and with aphrodisiac properties (3).

Gleditsia amorphoides (Griseb.) Taub. var. amorphoides (Fabaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, Jardín Botánico «C. Spegazzini», (FCAF) UNLP, 23-VIII-2004, Arambarri 246 (LPAG). Misiones, Eldorado, 29-III-2005, Martínez 47 (LPAG). Leaves and roots: astringent (18). Cortex: with properties to reduce cholesterol (19). Fruits: irritant which make sneeze (5, 15); to treat asthma (1). Fruits: produce a gum used in sweets industry, pharmacy and cosmetic (3, 20).

Gochnatia polymorpha (Less.) Cabrera subsp. ceanothifolia (Less.) Cabrera (Asteraceae). Misiones, Candelaria, Loreto, Montes 11154 (LP); Corrientes, 6-II-1972, Santo Tomé, Krapovickas et al. 21091 (LP). Leaves and flowers: pectoral (2).

Guadua chacoensis (Rojas Acosta) Londoño & P.M. Peterson (Poaceae). Corrientes, Ituzaingó, 8-XII1974, Krapovickas et al. 23851 (SI). Misiones, Montecarlo, I-1944, Porta s.n. (LP 900486); Parque Nac. Iguazú, 14-IX-1971, Dimitri 11246 (LPAG). Rhizomes: urinary antiseptic, laxative, analgesic (1, 21). Water acummulated in internodes is used to drink in wooded areas (3).

Hennecartia omphalandra J. Poiss. (Monimiaceae). Misiones, Eldorado, 21-III-2003, Martínez 49 (LPAG). Plant have properties as digestive, antispasmodic (21).

Hexaclamys edulis (O. Berg.) Kausel & Legrand (Myrtaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 15IX-1970, Hualde s.n. (LAPG); 19 VI-2006, Arambarri 259 (LPAG). Leaves: hepatic, digestive (1); antidiabetic (22, 23). Fruits: laxative (3).

Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. (Aquifoliaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 29-III-2005, Arambarri s.n. (LPAG). Misiones, Eldorado, 23III-2005, Martínez 83 (LPAG). Leaves: tonic, stimulant, diuretic, digestive, sudorific (3, 24); leaves macerated to treat dandruff; cephalalgia; anti-inflammatory; diuretic (1, 25). This species was included in the 1st edition of the Farmacopea Nacional Argentina (13).

Jacaratia spinosa (Aubl.) A. DC. (Caricaceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 6-XI-1971, Dimitri s.n. (LPAG); Facultad de Ciencias Forestales, 23III-2005, Martínez 42 (LPAG). Latex: vermifuge and cathartic (2, 26); the plant has properties to control gastrointestinal worms (5). Fruits: edible (3).

Manihot grahamii Hook. (Euphorbiaceae). Buenos Aires, Ensenada, 18-IV-2004, Bayón 636 (LPAG). Misiones, Eldorado, 29-III-2005, Martínez 37 (LPAG). Plant: drastic. (27), with toxic properties (28).

Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek (Celastraceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 20-VII-2006, Arambarri 262 (LPAG). Misiones, Montecarlo, 26-III-05, Martínez 53 (LPAG). Vegetative parts: have properties as sialagogue, vulnerary, and in external use as antiseptic (2, 6, 7, 29). Leaves: antispasmodic, digestive and antiseptic (8). This species would has antitumoral properties (21). Extract from leaves would have anti-ulcer activity (30). This species is included in the Farmacopea Brasileña and it was introduced in the Program for Atención Primaria de la Salud en la provincia de Misiones (13).

Myrcianthes pungens (O. Berg) D. Legrand (Myrtaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, Jardín Botánico de la Facultad de Agronomía, UNLP, 24III-1966, Amorín 148 (LPAG); Capital Federal, 7-I1991, Orfila s.n. (LPAG 4806). Fruits: edible (15, 31). Leaves: are tonic and astringent (2, 32).

Myrocarpus frondosus Allemâo (Fabaceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 20-XI-1969, Hualde 138 (LPAG); Eldorado, 21-III-2003, Martínez 48 (LPAG). Resin: antiseptic, cicatrizant, to control respiratory and urinary infections (2, 8). The aromatic resin extracted from the cortex is used as substitute of the true incense (3); and in perfume and tincture industry (4).

Nectandra lanceolata Nees (Lauraceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, IV-2004, Monti 24a, 24b (LPAG). Misiones, Puerto Iguazú, 21-X-1970, Amorín & Dimitri s.n. (LPAG 1387). This species has properties to treat asthma (5).

Ocotea diospyrifolia (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 18-XI-1969, Hualde s.n. (LPAG 1378). Leaves: carminative, emmenagogue, antirheumatic (1, 2).

Ocotea puberula (Rich.) Nees (Lauraceae). Jujuy, Santa Bárbara, 6-I-1966, Cabrera 17367 (LP). Cortex: antidiarrhea (2); to apply as poultice to extract thorns or spines (5).

Parapiptadenia rigida (Benth.) Brenan (Fabaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 5-V-1966, Amorín 352 (LPAG). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 18XI-1969, Hualde 122 (LPAG). Cortex: antiinflammatory and in external use to wash ulcers (33). Cortex and leaves: astringent (2).

Patagonula americana L. (Boraginaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 1969, Hualde s.n. (LPAG 4461); XI-2005, Monti 28 (LPAG). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, XI-1972, Dimitri s.n. (LPAG 4451). Cortex and leaves: vulnerary, cicatrizant, antisyphilitic (2).

Picrasma crenata (Vell.) Engl. (Simaroubaceae). Misiones, Pozo Azul, 28-III-2005, Martínez 56 (LPAG). Wood: antimalarial, antisyphilitic and insecticide properties. It has action on central nervous system (2, 21), and to control stomachic parasites (5).

Pilocarpus pennatifolius Lem. (Rutaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 12-VI-2006, Arambarri 258 (LPAG). Chaco, 11-VII-1943, Schultz 3948 (LP). Leaves: sudorific; expectorant, antirheumatic, febrifuge (8, 26). Leaves: diaphoretic, diuretic, sialagogue (2, 34). Inflorescence: capillary tonic, to cure insolation and dandruff (1). Cortex and leaves: contains the drug «folia jaborandi» with diaphoretic, expectorant, antirheumatic, febrifuge, excitant, and contraception properties (3).

Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (Rubiaceae). Misiones, Eldorado, 21-III-2003, Martínez 52 (LPAG); Parque Nac. Iguazú, 20-XI-1969, Volkart 148 (LPAG); 8-XI-1970, Dimitri s.n. (LPAG 4805). Fruits: psychotropic and toxic (2, 35). Leaves: used by ants of genus Atta (17).

Quillaja brasiliensis (A. St.-Hil. & Tul.) Mart. (Rosaceae). Misiones, Candelaria-Loreto, 19-II1951, Montes 12343 (LP); Candelaria, Santa Ana, 10-I-1946, Montes 1746 (LP). Cortex: astringent (2); used as vegetable soap to wash hair and clothes (36).

Rauvolfia sellowii Müll. Arg. (Apocynaceae). Misiones, Eldorado, 29-III-2005, Martínez 60 (LPAG). Cortex: hypotensor (2, 37). Cortex: with bitter taste and antimalarial properties (3).

Rheedia brasiliensis (Mart.) Planch. & Triana (Clusiaceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 17XI-1969, Hualde 16 (LPAG); Pozo Azul, 28-III2005, Martínez 62 (LPAG). Cortex: medicinal (2). Fuits: edible. Seeds: to cure mange (5).

Ruprechtia salicifolia (Cham. & Schltdl.) C.A. Mey. (Polygonaceae). Corrientes, Perugorría, 16-XII1948, Cabrera 10569 (LP). Misiones, Eldorado, 22-III-2005, Martínez 40 (LPAG). Cortex: contains a bitter tonic (2).

Schefflera morototoni (Aubl.) Decne. & Planch. (Araliaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, calle 2 e/51 y 53, 15-XI-2005, Martínez 97 (LPAG). Misiones, Eldorado, 24-III-2005, Martínez 69 (LPAG). To treat respiratory affections (5).

Schinus weinmanniifolia Engl. (Anacardiaceae). Corrientes, Santo Tomé, 14-II-1960, Pedersen 5436 (LP). Misiones, San José de Pindapoy, 9-I-1942, Bridarolli 2553 (LP). Vegetative parts: contraception (2); to treat asthmatic, pruriginous symptoms (1).

Sebastiania brasiliensis Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae). Buenos Aires. La Plata, FCAF, 19-IV-2004, Bayón 639 (LPAG). Misiones. Eldorado, 22-III-2005, Martínez 34 (LPAG). Latex: is used externally to cure warts and to calm tooth-ache from decays (36, 38, 39). The latex is also used to cure «huras» (caused by Dermatobia hominis) (5, 40). Cortex: is externally used as antiseptic (13).

Sorocea bonplandii (Baill.) W.C. Burger, Lanj. & Wess. (Moraceae). Misiones, Parque Nac. Iguazú, 21-IX-1970, Dimitri & Amorín s.n. (LPAG); Pozo Azul, 28-III-2005, Martínez 63 (LPAG). Latex: toxic (2). Leaves and fruits: forage for animals (3).

Styrax leprosus Hook. & Arn. (Styracaceae). Misiones. Parque Nac. Iguazú, 25-IX-1970, Gorgues & Brizuela s.n. (LPAG 4234); 11-IX1971, Dimitri 11259 (LPAG). Cortex: produces an aromatic resin to elaborate pomade used in cutaneous treatments (5). This species belongs the same genus that some Asiatic species from their cortex is extracted a whitish resin giving an aromatic essence known as «benjui» used in medicine and perfumery (20).

Tabebuia heptaphylla (Vell.) Toledo (Bignoniaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, FCAF, 15-X-1992, Volkart s.n. (LPAG 2941). Misiones, Eldorado, 23-III-2003, Martínez 41 (LPAG). Wood: antirheumatic (1). Flowers: have properties against cough. Wood and cortex: to treat injure of the skin (3). Cortex and leaves: astringent, anti-blennorrhoeic, antiseptic. Wood: diuretic and abortive (41).

Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. (Apocynaceae). Misiones, Eldorado, 21-III-2005, Martínez 51 (LPAG); Puerto Iguazú, 18-IX-1970, Dimitri & Amorín 89 (LPAG). Latex: to treat tooth decay (1). Antidote for bites of snakes (2). Latex: to cure cutaneous affections (3).

Trixis divaricata (Kunth) Spreng. subsp. divaricata (Asteraceae). Misiones, Loreto, 19-VIII-1954, Gròner 1444 (LP). Flowers: anti-inflammatory and antimenorrhagic properties (2, 42).

Vitex megapotamica (Spreng.) Moldenke (Verbenaceae). Buenos Aires, La Plata, III-1984, Volkart s.n. (LPAG); FCAF, III-2006, Arambarri 257 (LPAG). Fruits: edible, diuretic, emmenagogic (2). Cortex: antisyphilitic (2) and antiaphrodisiac (3).

References = 1: Martínez Crovetto, 1981; 2: Toursarkissian, 1980; 3: López Villalba et al., 2002; 4: Eibl et al., 2002; 5: Sawchuk & Galeano, 1981; 6: Martínez Crovetto, 1964; 7: Sorarú & Bandoni, 1978; 8: Ratera & Ratera, 1980; 9: Mandrile, 2005; 10: Dimitri, 1978; 11: Rotman, 1987; 12: Chifa & Ricciardi, 2001; 13: Alonso & Desmarchelier, 2005; 14: Filipov, 1994; 15: Martínez Crovetto, 1965; 16: Marinho et al., 2003; 17: Bernardi, 1985; 18: Marzocca, 1997; 19: Blariza et al., 1998; 20: Leonardis, 1975; 21: Rondina et al., 2003; 22: Amat & Vajía, 1991; 23: Lorca et al., 1995; 24: Edwin & Reitz, 1967; 25: Spegazzini, 1999; 26: Mateu Amengual, 1974; 27: Domínguez, 1928; 28: Barboza et al., 2006; 29: Rodríguez & O'Donell, 1943; 30: Martins et al., 2003; 31: Perea et al., 2007; 32: Cortadi et al., 1996; 33: González et al., 1939; 34: Spegazzini et al., 2002; 35: Arias & Parrado, 1996; 36: Biloni, 1990; 37: Xifreda, 1981; 38: Lahitte & Hurrell, 1994; 39: Lahitte & Hurrell, 1999; 40: Amat & Yajía, 1998; 41: Leonardi et al., 2002; 42: Katinas, 1996.

Acknowledgements

We appreciate the fine technical assistance of Santiago M. Martínez in collecting material. The curators of herbaria (ERA, LP, LPAG, SI) for loaning the specimens, María A. Migoya for inking our pencil original illustrations, and anonymous reviewers for suggestions are acknowledged. Support was provided by the Comisión de Incentivos a los docentes-investigadores, Decreto 2427/93 (Secretaría de Política Universitaria, Ministerio de Educación de la Nación Argentina).

Notes

* For methods refer to Part 1: Arambarri et al. (2006).

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Recibido el 28 de Agosto de 2007
Aaceptado el 12 de Mayo de 2008.

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