Anatomy, histochemistry and secretory structures of two accesses of Lippia alba
Keywords:
Leaf anatomy, Trichomes, Lippia albaAbstract
The aim of this study was to describe the anatomical features of leaves and petioles of two accessions of Lippia alba and to identify adaptive strategies. Optical microscopy and histochemical tests were used to characterize morpho-anatomically and histochemically leaves, petioles, and secretory structures. Accession L001 showed adaxial and abaxial epidermis, palisade parenchyma, and spongy parenchyma thicker than accession L002. Both accessions presented thick cuticle, amphistomatic leaves, dorsiventral mesophyll, and palisade parenchyma with two layers of elongated cells. Tector and glandular trichomes were observed on both surfaces. Six types of glandular trichomes were identified in both accessions: with unicellular globose head; bicellular head; bicellular bulb-shaped head; small unicellular head; tricellular head; and tetracellular head. Both accessions showed similarities in the venation system. L001 petiole had a convex outline with two lateral projections, smaller mean vessel diameter, smaller cross-sectional area, and higher vessel density. L002 petiole had an elliptic outline, larger mean vessel diameter and cross-sectional area, and lower vessel density. Histochemical tests revealed phenolic compounds, essential oils, oleoresins, and total lipids. These results indicate anatomical and histochemical differences between accessions, possibly related to adaptive strategies.
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