Scutia Buxifolia Research Articles

Scutia buxifolia

This datasheet on Scutia buxifolia covers Identity, Distribution.

Floral food resources for Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in a mountain forest area in Uruguay

Knowing the blooms is useful to predict the behavior of Apis mellifera (honeybee) colonies. The objective was to determine the floristic characteristics of a mountain forest in Uruguay from the beekeeping point of view. We made eight visits in every three sites surrounding the apiary, at 10-20 m, 500 m and 1500 m distance. The first visit determined the species, families, origin (native or exotic), and frequency of each taxon. In subsequent visits, we censed which ones remained in bloom (presence or absence). We assigned each species a value of one to five for abundance (A) and the duration of flowering (P), during two years. Using the Shannon Index the floristic diversity was established. A generalized linear model was employed to analyze flowering through the response variables: presence of flowering in winter, spring, summer and autumn, as well as flowering duration. We calculated a Shannon Index of 3.6, indicating high biodiversity. Then we correlated the findings of the survey and literature reports on the occurrence of each species in melissopalynological studies in mature and immature honey. The expression “Convertible Flora” was coined to identify the floral resources whose pollen is stored when no flower is available. These were Lithraea brasiliensis, Baccharis articulata, Baccharis trimera, Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Eugenia uniflora, Colletia Paradoxa, Oxalis sp., Scutia buxifolia, Jodina rhombifolia, Aloysia gratissima for the spring and autumn seasons (P <0.05). The expression “Support Flora” (P <0.05) is used to classify those resources that are found in immature honey and are almost absent in mature honey, and are used as nutrients during the colony expansion: Schinus engleri, Maytenus ilicifolia, Eryngium pandanifolium, Baccharis punctulata, Abutilon pauciflorum, Daphnopsis racemosa, Allophylus edulis, and Celtis tala. This flora classification allows planning the expected developments and yields of honey from a region to establish technological useful and efficient packages of honey harvests.

Análisis de las comunidades de microhongos de la hojarasca de Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) en el este de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Allegrucci, N., Cazau M. C., Cabello, M. N. & Arambarri, A. M. 2005. Analysis of microfungal communities on Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) leaf litter from eastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Darwiniana 43(1-4): 1-9. Decomposer saprotrophic mycobiota of leaf litter from woods of Scutia buxifolia (Coronillo) was analyzed in both disturbed and non disturbed areas, evaluating their seasonal variations. The relative frecuency of each species was calculated, and this information was used to establish the Diversity Index (Shannon-Weaver), H; species richness, S; and evenness, E. From the analysis of the fungal community of Coronillo in both areas, we found the fungal community has not changed regarding disturbance, although its effects is reflected in the species richness and relative frecuency of the species. A principal component analysis showed seasonal tendencies: some species were found to be abundant in summer-autumn whereas others had higher abundance in winter-spring.

Host plant specificity and feeding preferences of Morpho epistrophus argentinus (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) larvae in coastal woodlands of Argentina

The selection of suitable host plants for larval development is critical for most herbivorous insects. In this study, we examined host plant preferences of larvae of the Epistrophus white morpho butterfly, Morpho epistrophus argentinus (H. Fruhstorfer), a specialized butterfly that oviposits on a few plant species. In many species, the selection of host plant species for larvae development is under the control of ovipositing females and the role of larvae in host selection is minimal. Through field observations, we characterized larval host plant use in coastal woodland patches of its southernmost distribution range at eastern Buenos Aires, Argentina. All sampled M.e. argentinus larvaegroups (n = 40) were found on Scutia buxifolia trees, although the number of larval groups did not correlate with cover of this plant at patch scale. To further examine host plant preferences we performed translocation experiments and feeding choice assays. M.e. argentinus larvae translocated to unsuitable host plants had a shorter residence time than those translocated to suitable (i.e. control) hosts. Choice assays also indicated strong feeding preferences of wild larvae for S. buxifolia leaves. Our results highlight the high degree of host specificity of this butterfly, and reveal that host preference of growing larvae matches that of ovipositing females.

Talares del NE bonaerense con presencia de Ligustrum lucidum: Cambios en la estructura y la dinámica del bosque

The presence of new tree species in forest ecosystems promotes changes in stand dynamics that are reflected by forest structure. These processes are particularly relevant in native forests conservation. Tala (Celtis ehrenbergiana var. ehrenbergiana) and coronillo (Scutia buxifolia) forests are considered among the main forest communities of Buenos Aires province, in Argentina, and are included in several protected areas. In the El Destino Reserve, a very well conserved native forest is currently in the presence of Ligustrum lucidum, which has demonstrated a high invasive potential in other forest of Argentina and the world. The aim of this work was to characterize present structure of these stands and to infer changes in the dynamics promoted by the presence of L. lucidum. We found that these talares are currently dominated by L. lucidum in tree density (93%) and basal area (80%), and that native forest structure has departed from the characteristic values. Around 80% of native trees are dead, widely surpassing the 20% reported natural mortality, and dead tree density is positively associated with L. lucidum density. The exotic species initially established in a non-selective and spatially random pattern and reached current canopy dominance by rapidly exceeding native species total height. Present conditions were reached approximately in 20-25 years, which indicate a high rate of structural change. These results demonstrate these talares have profoundly changed and, considering the degree of modifcation, could be treated as new ecological systems, either novel or hybrid ecosystems. Whichever the approach, the control of L. lucidum and the active restoration of the native component, as well as the eradication of the exotic species in areas where establishment is still recent, are all of high priority in order to ensure the long-term conservation of these forests.

Effect of climate on tree growth in the Pampa biome of Southeastern South America: First tree-ring chronologies from Uruguay

Tree-ring research in the highland tropics and subtropics represents a major frontier for understanding climate-growth relationships. Nonetheless, there are many lowland regions – including the South American Pampa biome – with scarce tree ring data. We present the first two tree-ring chronologies for Scutia buxifolia in subtropical Southeastern South America (SESA), using 54 series from 29 trees in two sites in northern and southern Uruguay. We cross-dated annual rings and compared tree growth from 1950 to 2012 with regional climate variability, including rainfall, temperature and the Palmer Drought Severity Index – PDSI, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Overall, ring width variability was highly responsive to climate signals linked to water availability. For example, tree growth was positively correlated with accumulated rainfall in the summer-fall prior to ring formation for both chronologies. Summer climate conditions were key for tree growth, as shown by a negative effect of hot summer temperatures and a positive correlation with PDSI in late austral summer. The El Niño phase in late spring/early summer favored an increase in rainfall and annual tree growth, while the La Niña phase was associated with less rainfall and reduced tree growth. Extratropical climate factors such as SAM had an equally relevant effect on tree growth, whereby the positive phase of SAM had a negative effect over radial growth. These findings demonstrate the potential for dendroclimatic research and climate reconstruction in a region with scarce tree-ring data. They also improve the understanding of how climate variability may affect woody growth in native forests – an extremely limited ecosystem in the Pampa biome.

Structure of the style and pollen tube pathway in the Ziziphoid and Rhamnoid clades of Rhamnaceae.

The ultrastructure of the style and pollen tube pathway before, during and after anthesis were studied in 13 species belonging to the tribes Pomaderreae, Paliureae, Colletieae and Gouanieae (Ziziphoid clade) and Rhamneae (Rhamnoid clade) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The aim of this study is to provide new morphological characters useful for phylogenetic analysis at suprageneric level in Rhamnaceae. The patterns of pollen tube growth and the ultrastructural changes undergone by cells of the style were also described. Species of Rhamneae (Scutia buxifolia and Condalia buxifolia) have a solid style, with the transmitting tissue forming three independent strands (S. buxifolia) or a central, single horseshoe-shaped strand as seen in transversal section (C. buxifolia) which could derive from the fusion of formerly independent strands. In contrast, Pomaderreae, Gouanieae and Paliureae showed semi-solid styles, while in Colletieae, as previously reported, the style is hollow with two or three stylar canals. The style anatomy and the ultrastructure of the pollen tube pathway show that there is a tendency towards a solid style with a single strand of transmitting tissue within the family. The three-canalled hollow style could be the plesiomorphic state of the character "type of style" in the family, the semi-solid style the synapomorphic state and the solid style with three strands of transmitting tissue the apomorphic state, with the solid style with a single strand of transmitting tissue as the most derived state. Therefore, Colletieae would be the most basal tribe of the Ziziphoid clade.

Topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effect of Scutia buxifolia Reissek gel and stability study

Scutia buxifolia Reissek (Rhamnaceae), popularly known in Brazil as “coronilha”, is a plant species used in folk medicine for several disorders, including inflammation. However, no studies have been done with this species to confirm its topical anti-inflammatory action. In this study we evaluate the topical antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of the gel containing crude extract (CE) and the gel containing ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of S. buxifolia on croton oil or UVB radiation-induced ear edema in mice, and perform gel stability study. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through ear edema induced by irritant agent croton oil, UVB irradiation-induced skin injury model and neutrophil infiltration. The gel stability study was performed by analyzing organoleptical aspects, pH, viscosity, and quantification of quercetin and rutin by HPLC. The topical treatment with S. buxifolia gel reduced the ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity. Antiedematogenic and anti-inflammatory effects of S. buxifolia were obtained with concentrations of 0.3, 1 and 3%, with maximal inhibition in the concentration of 1% for gel containing CE (inhibitions of 100, 73±0.05 and 97±0.08% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively) and EtOAc fraction (inhibitions of 79±0.05, 73±0.05 and 89±0.04% for croton oil- or UVB irradiation-induced ear edema and myeloperoxidase activity, respectively). Such effects may be attributed, at least in part, to rutin and quercetin, as well as other compounds found in this species. No important changes were detected in the stability study, in all aspects analyzed in temperature below 25°C. Our results demonstrate that topically applied S. buxifolia gel presented anti-inflammatory effects, provided that it was maintained at a temperature below 25°C.

EFEITO DO EXTRATO AQUOSO DE SCUTIA BUXIFOLIA SOBRE CONTEÚDO SÉRICO DE ALBUMINA E PESO CORPORAL DE RATOS

Scutia buxifolia is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of cardiac diseases but little know about its toxicity on liver. Wistar rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups: control and treated groups with 100, 200 and, 400 mg of lyophilized aqueous extract of S. buxifolia (EASB)/ kg of body weight, daily, during 30 days. The blood of animals was collected on 15 th and 30 th day of experiment for serum albumin dosage. The blood samples were centrifugated (3000 rpm) for 15 minutes. The present study was planned to explore the hepatotoxic effect of EASB, which was assessed by total body weight, liver weight and, serum albumin. EASB did not alter the parameters analyzed. This way, EASB was not toxic for the liver in the dosages used.

Growth and oxidative enzymatic activity of in-vitro cultures of Ciliochorella buxifolia

To get a better insight into the physiological capabilities of Ciliochorella buxifolia, the most frequent fungus occurring on Scutia buxifolia leaf-litter in a native forest from Argentina, its in-vitro ability to use 10 carbon sources and to produce extracellular enzymes, including its response to tannic acid and to the addition of a water-soluble fraction of Scutia buxifolia leaf-litter, was analyzed. Growth, colony morphology and extracellular enzyme activity as well as differentiation of pycnidia were a function of the C substrate. The fungus responded to the presence of tannic acid in a range between 0.001 and 0.1% (w/v), by increasing growth, but higher phenol concentrations like 0.5% were inhibitory. The activity of extracellular oxidative enzymes increased with the concentration of tannic acid. Furthermore, the fungus showed extracellular laccase and peroxidase activity, being the former increased by water-soluble fraction in association to pycnidia development. Based on these results, Ciliochorella buxifolia is a fungus growing on Scutia buxifolia leaf-litter that is able to metabolize soluble phenolic compounds, which triggers the synthesis of extracellular oxidative enzymes possibly involved in sporulation and detoxification reactions.

Scutia buxifolia Reiss inhibit platelet aggregation and alters the activities of enzymes that hydrolyze adenine nucleotides in lymphocytes and platelets

Platelets plays a central role in hemostatic processes and consequently are similarly involved in pathological processes, such as arterial thrombosis and atherosclerosis. In this study we investigate the effect of aqueous crude extracts of Scutia buxifolia on NTPDase and 5′-nucleotidase activity on platelets and lymphocytes as well as the profile of the platelet aggregation. The effect of the aqueous crude extract obtained from S. buxifolia leaves (SbL) and stem bark (SbS) on enzymatic activities and platelet aggregation was investigated by in vitro tests. The platelets and lymphocytes were exposed to aqueous extracts of S. buxifolia at concentrations 1–200μg/mL in the presence of ATP, ADP, AMP as substrates. The results showed that SbS and SbL potentially inhibited the NTPDase and 5′-nucleotidase in platelets and lymphocytes. Moreover, we found that ADP-induced aggregation was only inhibited by the SbS. This data suggest the existence of compounds in S. buxifolia that may decrease the NTPDase and 5′-nucleotidase activity, causing peripheral alterations in adenine nucleotide levels and protection against ADP-induced platelet aggregation.

Biochemical and hematological effects of acute and sub-acute administration to ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia Reissek in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceScutia buxifolia is a native tree of Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina, which is popularly known as “coronilha” and it is used as a cardiotonic, antihypertensive and diuretic substance. The aim of this study was to assess the acute and sub-acute toxicity of the ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia in male and female mice. Materials and methodsThe toxicity studies were based on the guidelines of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD-guidelines 423 and 407). In an acute study, a single dose of 2000mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice. Mortality, behavioral changes, and biochemical and hematological parameters were evaluated. In the sub-acute study, Scutia buxifolia was administered orally to male and female mice at doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg/day for 28 days. Behavioral changes and biochemical, hematological, and histological analysis were evaluated. ResultsThe acute administration of Scutia buxifolia did not cause changes in behavior or mortality. Male and female mice presented decreased levels of platelets. Female mice presented decreased levels of leukocytes. On the other hand, in a sub-acute toxicity study, we observed no behavioral changes in male or female mice. Our results demonstrated a reduction in glucose levels in male mice treated to 200 and 400mg/kg of Scutia buxifolia. Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) activity was increased by Scutia buxifolia at 400mg/kg in male mice. In relation to the hematological parameters, male mice presented a reduction in hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT) when treated to 400mg/kg of plant fraction. Female mice showed no change in these parameters. Histopathological examination of liver tissue showed slight abnormalities that were consistent with the biochemical variations observed. ConclusionScutia buxifolia, after acute administration, may be classified as safe (category 5), according to the OECD guide. However, the alterations observed, after sub-acute administration with high doses of ethyl acetate fraction from the stem bark Scutia buxifolia, suggest that repeated administration of this fraction plant can cause adverse hepatic, renal, and hematological effects.

Communities of anamorphic fungi on green leaves and leaf litter of native forests of Scutia buxifolia and Celtis tala: Composition, diversity, seasonality and substrate specificity

BackgroundXeric forests dominated by two tree species, Scutia buxifolia (Rhamnaceae) and Celtis tala (Ulmacea), are temperate, semi-deciduous wooded communities that represent the most abundant woodlands on the eastern plains of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The district of Magdalena has one of the most well-preserved native-forest areas, with an environmental heterogeneity that gives rise to the wide variability in the vegetation present. AimsThe aim of this study was to analyze the species composition, diversity, seasonal variations, and substrate specificity of anamorphic fungi (Ascomycota) on the green leaves and in the leaf litter of native forests dominated by Scutia buxifolia and Celtis tala from Magdalena, Buenos Aires, Argentina. MethodsIn order to obtain the mycobiota of decomposition, seasonal samples of green leaves and leaf litter from both types of trees were collected over a two-year period. In the laboratory, the leaves were placed in a moist chamber and incubated at room temperature. ResultsA total of 100 species of anamorphic Ascomycota were identified in both forests. No significant variations were observed in the richness, diversity, or evenness of the fungal communities of the green leaves and leaf litter of both forests between seasons. ConclusionsThe species that characterized the fungal communities in the leaves of each of the trees were found to be different. The type of substrate had a stronger influence in determining the composition of the fungal community in both types of forests.

Dispersión polínica y éxito reproductivo de cuatro especies arbóreas de un bosque xerófito de Argentina

The "talares" in eastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina, are coastal xerophitic forests structured by few arboreal species surrounded by a lower and moister soil matrix. We studied the reproductive parameters of the most representative arboreal species (Celtis tala, Scutia buxifolia, Jodina rhombifolia, and Schinus longifolia). Pollen dispersion was studied through floral visitor traps (biotic dispersion) and using gravimetric pollen collectors (abiotic dispersion). The reproductive success (fruit formation rate) of the focal species was studied by enclosing flowers with different mesh bags. The reproductive system varied among the different species. C. tala was anemophilous and selfcompatible. S. buxifolia was entomophilous and floral visitors dependant. J. rhombifolia was entomophylous, although spontaneous autogamy could favor reproduction in the absence of pollinators. Lastly, S. longifolia could be an ambophilous species (pollinated by insects and by the wind). This dual system may be the result of system flexibility mechanism or an evolutionary transition.

Nymph and Adult Biology on Cultivated and on Non-Cultivated Plants and Seasonal Phenology on Wild Plants of the Neotropical Stink Bug, Euschistus paranticus Grazia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)

Laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate nymph survivorship, developmental time, and fresh body weight at adult emergence, and adult survivorship, total longevity, reproduction, and fresh body weight gain of the Neotropical stink bug, Euschistus paranticus Grazia (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). In the field, a one-year weekly survey was carried out on the wild plants, Scutia buxifolia Reissek (Rhamanaceae) and Prunus myrtifolia (L.) Urb. (Rosaceae) in Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil (28°15′S latitude; 52°24′W longitude). Results indicated that nymph mortality was very high (range 87-100%) and on only two (green bean pod + raw shelled peanut and green bean pod alone) out of the nine foods, nymphs were able to complete development. Nymph developmental time (2 nd to 5 th stadia) took ≈ 33 days on green bean pod + peanut seed, and ≈ 54 days on green bean pod. Adults E. paranticus fed pods of green bean, raw shelled peanut, mature seed of soybean, and leaf of S. buxifolia in the laboratory showed a total longevity of ≈ 40 to 55 days; 50% females oviposited; the pre-oviposition period was 18.9 days; number of egg masses/female was 9.3; mean total number of eggs/female was 103.6, and their viability was 55.6%. Females were heavier than males. E. paranticus was intercepted mostly during spring-summer on S. buxifolia, and only occasionally on P. myrtifolia.

Antimicrobial and antiviral activity-guided fractionation from Scutia buxifolia Reissek extracts

Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of the fractions from Scutia buxifolia stem bark and leaves were evaluated. Best antimicrobial results occurred with the ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanolic (NB) fractions from the leaves against Micrococcus sp. (minimal inhibitory concentration—MIC = 62.5 μg/ml), and NB fraction from stem bark and leaves against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC = 62.5 μg/ml). The most active fractions were selected and fractioned into silica column to perform an in vitro antibiofilm assay, which evidenced subfractions EA2 and EA3 as the more active against Candida albicans (biofilm inhibitory concentration—BIC = 582 ± 0.01 μg/ml) and Staphylococcus aureus (BIC = 360 ± 0.007 μg/ml), respectively. The NB (selectivity index—SI = 25.78) and the EA (SI = 15.97) fractions from the stem bark, and the EA (SI = 14.13) fraction from the leaves exhibited a potential antiviral activity towards Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 whereas EA2 and EA3 subfractions from leaves (SI = 12.59 and 10.06, respectively), and NB2 subfraction from stem bark (SI = 12.34) maintained this good activity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, quercitrin and quercetin) were identified by HPLC and may be partially responsible for the antimicrobial and antiherpes activities observed. The results obtained in this study showed that Scutia buxifolia has antibiofilm and anti-herpetic activities and that these properties are reported for the first time for this species.

Cyclopeptide alkaloids from Scutia buxifolia Reiss

Scutianene E ( 1), 3,4,28-tris- epi-scutiaene E ( 2), 28- epi-scutianene E ( 3) and scutianene L ( 4), four neutral cyclopeptide alkaloids, were isolated from Scutia buxifolia Reiss, together with four known cyclopeptide alkaloids, scutianines B, C, D and E. Scutianenes 1– 3 are diastereoisomeric compounds, with 3-hydroxyleucine as a β-hydroxy amino acid unit, which is connected to the styryl fragment via an ether bridge, β-phenylserine, as a common ring-bonded amino acid residue. Attached to the amino group of β-hydroxyamino acid is a side chain [ trans-CH = CH–Ph]. The structures of the peptides were elucidated by means of spectroscopic analysis, including extensive 2D NMR studies. The stereochemistry for the diastereomeric 3,4,28-tris- epi-scutiaene E and 28- epi-scutianene E was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis of their O-acetyl derivatives.

In-vitro depolymerization of Scutia buxifolia leaf-litter by a dominant Ascomycota Ciliochorella sp.

Scutia buxifolia leaf-litter is recalcitrant to degradation but hosts an assemblage of Ascomycota fungi among which Ciliochorella sp. is the most frequent one. The aim of this work was to analyze the role Ciliochorella sp. plays in degradation of S. buxifolia leaf-litter in-vitro. Decay was assessed based on mass loss and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis. After 60 days of fungal growth, there was a 4.7% mass reduction that was associated with degradation of polysaccharides, proteins and lignin-related molecules. Ciliochorella sp. synthetized and released to the water-soluble fraction of leaf-litter enzymes with β-1,4 endoglucanase activity, that increased 3-fold over a 30 day period, and no laccase and peroxidase activity. We conclude that Ciliochorella sp. transformed S. buxifolia litter by degrading polysaccharides and also aromatic structures at early stages of decay.

Celtis tala and Scutia buxifolia leaf litter decomposition by selected fungi in relation to their physical and chemical properties and lignocellulolytic enzyme activity

This study analyzes the relationships between the physical and chemical properties of Celtis tala and Scutia buxifolia leaf litter and their degradation by selected fungi. The litter was analyzed for physical, chemical and enzyme properties such as pH, reducing sugars, aromatic compounds, chromophores, polymerization/polydispersity index and the lignocellulolytic enzyme activity of their water soluble fraction (WSF) after incubating them with fungi for 30 days. C. tala and S. buxifolia leaves were chemically different, with C-to-N ratios of 27 and 17, respectively. Fungi degraded C. tala leaves to a greater extent than those of S. buxifolia, which was directly related to the pH of the WSF. In this regard, properties other than microbial growth affecting substrate N concentration, such as lignin content or lignin-to-N ratio and the availability of nutrients for regulating the expression and activity of depolymerizing enzymes, governed the decomposition. Whereas degradation of S. buxifolia leaves by a group of selected fungi was related to cellobiohydrolase and β-1,4-endoglucanase activities, that of C. tala was related to the β-glucosidase activity. However, the fungi studied showed negligible ligninolytic potential. Still, physical and chemical properties such as pH and reducing sugars or chromophores as well as cellulose-degrading fungal enzymes were reliable indices of decomposition of the C. tala and S. buxifolia leaf litter.

Combining Multivariate Analysis and Pollen Count to Classify Honey Samples Accordingly to Different Botanical Origins

A B S T R A C T This study reports the combination of multivariate techniques and pollen count analysis to classify honey samples according to botanical sources, in samples from Uruguay. Honey samples from different botanical origins, namely Eucalyptus spp. (n = 10), Lotus spp. (n = 12), Salix spp. (n = 5), “mil flores” (Myrtaceae spp.) (n = 12) and coronilla (Scutia buxifolia Reissek) (n = 10) were analysed using Melissopalynology (pollen identification). Principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to classify the honey samples accordingly to their botanical origin based on a pollen count. Honey samples of higher percentage (> 70%) of Eucalyptus, Lotus and Scutia pollen were 100% correctly classified, whilst samples from Myrtaceae spp. and Salix were 80 and 66% correctly classified, respectively. The use of PCA and LDA combined with pollen identification proved useful in characterizing honey samples from different botanical origins.