Abstract
We studied the leaf anatomy of 15 species of Byrsonima and a single species of Diacidia as an outgroup to test the relevance of leaf anatomical characters to the complicated taxonomy of this genus. We present complete anatomical descriptions for petioles and leaf blades, together with an anatomical matrix, dendrogram and an identification key for the studied taxa. The most informative characters were the presence of stomatal crest, trichome type, epidermis type, contour and conformation of the vascular system in the diaphragm and medium petiole and number of accessory bundles. The aforementioned characters revealed that the anatomy of the petioles in the genus differs from that of petioles in the outgroup taxon with regard to vascular system conformation and the absence of cortical sclereids. Furthermore, the anatomy of the leaf blade appears to be quite informative in Byrsonima, especially in synonymized species. The anatomical features evaluated here have great value for Byrsonima taxonomy. These features may be used in an evolutionary approach to the group, especially for proposing a new classification system based on morphoanatomical characters of the genus.
Highlights
Malpighiaceae is a pantropical plant family comprising genera and ca. 1300 species, with most of them (75 %)being endemic to the Neotropics, especially in the Brazilian territory where 45 genera and 530 species occur (Davis &Anderson 2010; BFG 2018; Almeida et al 2016)
The main vascular system of petioles is collateral in all species of Byrsonima and the conformation of bundles is an open arch with convoluted extremities (Fig. 1A, B, E), followed by a pair of accessory bundles and the occurrence of dispersed druses and sclereids in the cortical region in most species (Fig. 1D)
There are more than one pair of accessory bundles in B. crispa, B. chrysophylla, B. cydoniifolia, B. intermedia, B. laxiflora B. pachyphylla, B. sericea and B. spicata
Summary
Malpighiaceae is a pantropical plant family comprising genera and ca. 1300 species, with most of them (75 %)being endemic to the Neotropics, especially in the Brazilian territory where 45 genera and 530 species occur (Davis &Anderson 2010; BFG 2018; Almeida et al 2016). Being endemic to the Neotropics, especially in the Brazilian territory where 45 genera and 530 species occur 135 tree and shrub species (Anderson et al 2006; Almeida et al.2016) and is phylogenetically related to Blepharandra and Diacidia (Davis & Anderson 2010). The species of Byrsonima are popularly known as murici in Brazil, and as nanche in the remaining Latin-America countries, where its fruits are largely consumed in natura by human populations (Anderson et al 2006). The first taxonomic revisions of Byrsonima were published in the early twentieth century by Niedenzu (1897; 1901), alongside with an infrageneric classification with several sections and subsections based exclusively on leaf features.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
