G-fibers and Florin ring-like structures in Dioon (Zamiaceae)

Abstract

Cuticle information and epidermal characters have great potential in systematic studies. However, micromorphology and anatomical studies on cycads are relatively scarce in comparison to similar studies on other gymnosperms. In this study leaflet anatomy and cuticles in the genus Dioon have been investigated with bright field microscopy, epifluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. Structures hitherto not completely studied for the genus are reported such as lignified hypodermis, girder sclerenchyma, especially G-fibers, and Florin ring-like structures associated with the stomatal apparatus.