Correlating Structure and Morphology of Andiroba Leaf (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) by Microscopy and Fractal Theory Analyses

Erveton P Pinto,Nilson S Ferreira,Leida G Abraçado,Robert S Matos,Marcelo A Pires,Gunar V S Mota,Ştefan Ţălu

doi:10.3390/app11135848

Abstract

The Amazon rainforest is considered a megadiverse biome, where several species of its rich flora are still unknown. The anatomy of their leaves usually identifies species. In this paper, we present a complete characterization of the leaf surface of Amazon Carapa guianensis Aubl. (Andiroba), using microscopy and fractal theory to be considered a possible tool for investigating different leaves spatial patterns, especially in species with similar leaf architecture. The SEM results revealed the cellular structures and other non-cellular structures that make up the leaf architecture, both for the abaxial and adaxial sides. The cells responsible for the plant photosynthesis process were observed in the internal structure of the leaf. The wettability analysis showed that the abaxial side is more hydrophobic, while the adaxial side is more hydrophilic. AFM images exposed the relevant details of the microstructure of the leaf abaxial side, such as stomata, pores, furrows, contour, particles, and rough profiles generated by topographic irregularities. The statistical parameters revealed that the scale size influences the topographic roughness, surface asymmetry, and shape of the height distribution, also observed by advanced parameters obtained according to the standard of the international organization for standardization (ISO). The fractal and advanced fractal parameters confirmed changes in spatial patterns as a function of scale size. The largest area exhibited greater spatial complexity, low dominant spatial frequencies, more excellent surface percolation, intermediate topographic homogeneity, and high uniformity of spatial patterns.

Highlights

We studied the 3D micromorphology of Andiroba leaf using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fractal theory
1a–c)contained containedthe thestructures structures expected for the taxonomy of this plant, explicitly, stomach cells, while the expected for the taxonomy of this plant, explicitly, stomach cells, while theabaxial abaxialside side (Figure 1d–f) exhibits a more striated tissue
Both leaf sides may contain all plant cells, but (Figure 1d–f) exhibits a more striated tissue. Both leaf sides may contain all plant cells, but here only the abaxial side was observed, the stomata, which might be related to the climatic here only the abaxial side was observed, the stomata, which might be related to the clidynamics of the Amazon rainforest

Summary

Introduction

The Amazon rainforest is a gigantic biome whose diversity of fauna and flora has not yet been precisely measured. The immense diversity of flora has led to the commercial exploitation of some species, mainly due to the local commerce in the region that comprises northern Brazil [1]. Trade in species in this region has intensified due to the fight against deforestation in the Amazon region [2]. The protection and preservation of the forest have become the precursor concepts of motivation for the sustainable use of Amazonian biodiversity [3]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion