Estudo taxonômico e morfo-anatômico de psiguria ternata (m. Roem.) C. Jeffrey, cucurbitaceae juss

Abstract

The family Cucurbitaceae Juss. includes about 97 genera and 940-980 species with tropical and subtropical distribution, and is one of the most economically important family of the world. This study aims the taxonomic and morpho-anatomic analyses of the Psiguria ternata (M. Roem.) C. Jeffrey, in order to describe in detail the morphological and anatomical structures also histochemical components found in root, stem, tendril, petiole, and leaf blade of the species, and others information not described in the literature. Expeditions were realized aimed to collect botanic material that was fixed, treated and organized to development of the anatomical, morphological and taxonomic studies as well as the preparation of herbarium specimens that will be deposited in UFG Herbarium. Slides for transverse sections, diaphanization of leaf blades and histochemical test were prepared. The taxonomic treatment of the species covered descriptions, information about taxonomic position, habitat, phenology, geographic distribution and illustrations. The anatomical study of the analyzed structures showed presence of tector trichomes, smooth cuticle, uniseriate epidermis, bicolaterais vascular bundles and vessel elements of different sizes. In leaf blades paradermic tests that showed the presence of anomocytic and tetracytic stomata, vessel elements and crystals. The histochemical tests identified the presence of starch, lignin, lipids and phenolic compounds, but did not reveal satisfactory results, thus, further test are required. The leaf architecture revealed an asymmetrical elliptical blade, with pinnate venation and irregularly crenate toothed margin. Therefore, this study has expanded the knowledge about the species P. ternata (M. Roem.) C. Jeffrey contributing to further studies for the genera and family.