Leaf anatomy of O. bicornis Lindl. ex Benth., O. myrticola Lindl., P. pusilla (L.) and P. glossomystax (Rchb. f.) was analyzed to identify valuable taxonomic and ecological traits. Expanded leaves were collected in the Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso State, region. Leaf samples embedded in methacrylate were cut with a table microtome and stained with toluidine blue. Slides were mounted in synthetic resin or in glycerin gelatin. Leaf tissues were dissociated and histochemical tests applied. Plants observed in this study are succulent epiphytes without pseudobulbs. The epidermis is uniseriate and thin, with the exception of O. bicornis which has a relatively thick epidermis, and a thin, smooth cuticle. The species have amphistomatic leaves and the stomata are at the same level as the epidermal cells. Stomata are generally anomocytic and tetracytic in O. myrticola, P. pusilla and P. glossomystax. O. bicornis has tetracytic, anisocytic and actinocytic stomata. Guard cells have thick periclinal walls and small substomatic chambers, except in P. pusilla. With the exception of O. bicornis, species have heterogeneous mesophyll with different types of parenchyma. All vascular bundles are collateral. The species are mesophytic.
micro-orchids; leaf morpho-anatomy; Orchidaceae
