(The use of secretory structures for identification of genera of Asteraceae from cerrado vegetation). In order to verify the possible taxonomic value of secretory structures in species of Asteraceae, structure types were surveyed in leaves of 72 representatives of this family occuring in cerrado vegetation in the Reserva Biológica de Moji Guaçu (São Paulo state, Brazil). Leaves were selected and prepared using the normal techniques for herbarium material; whole leaves were cleared and stained, and hand-cut section made in the median region. Ducts, idioblasts, hydathodes and 10 different kinds of trichomes were found. When these structures are considered, they are all of diagnostic value at generic level, and it was possible to construct a key to the genera occurring in cerrado vegetation. At tribal level, the data from the present survey suggest affinities between representatives of Eupatorieae and Heliantheae, and show the Vernonieae to be relatively homogeneous; these affinities were based on presence and absence of the various types of secretory structures and their position on the leaves.
Asteraceae; secretory structures; leaf; cerrado vegetation
