Abstract
The Monimiaceae is represented in the Neotropical region by six genera. Macropeplus Perkins is a Brazilian genus comprising four species restricted to high-montane Atlantic Forest areas, which have not been properly examined from the anatomical point of view. This study characterizes the anatomical structure and histochemical aspects of the leaves of Macropeplus dentatus and M. ligustrinus, and adds to our taxonomic knowledge ofthe genus. The individuals studied were collected in the Serra dos Órgãos National Park and in the Caraça Natural Park in southeastern Brazil. Among the characteristics common to the two species, hypostomatic leaves, dorsiventral structure, paracytic stomata, a subepidermal layer, collateral vascular system in the form of an arc in the petiole, semicraspedobrochidodromous venation, and the presence of prismatic crystals were registered. Intracellular metabolites, such as phenolic compounds, lipids and mucilage, were identified. The petiole shape, occurrence and distribution of secretory cells and brachysclereids, in association with other morphological features, were relevant to species identification.
Highlights
The Monimiaceae comprises from 25 to 30 genera and approximately 200 species
This study aims to characterizes the leaf anatomy and histochemistry of M. dentatus and M. ligustrinus in order to increase our overall knowledge of these taxa
The specimens of M. dentatus were deposited in the Botany Department Herbarium, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (RBR 16.793; RBR 16.974), and the specimens of M. ligustrinus were deposited in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden Herbarium (RB 425.073; RB 425.074)
Summary
The Monimiaceae (sensu stricto) comprises from 25 to 30 genera and approximately 200 species. Five genera have been previously described for the Neotropical region: Mollinedia Ruiz & Pav., Macropeplus Perkins, Macrotorus Perkins, Hennecartia J. Poisson and Peumus Molina, while a sixth genus, Grazielanthus Peixoto & Per.-Moura was only recently delimited (Peixoto & Pereira-Moura 2008). From a biological point of view, the Monimiaceae is considered a key family for the understanding of the basal groups of angiosperms. The presence of large quantities of essential oils in the majority of the Monimiaceae gives them pleasant odors as well as medicinal value. Among the economically important species, Peumus boldus Molina is widely used to treat liver problems (Peixoto et al 2001; Santos & Peixoto 2001)
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