Open-access Structural characterization of the aerial vegetative organs of Clitoria fairchildiana R.A. Howard (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae

ABSTRACT

Clitoria fairchildiana R.A. Howard is a tree native to Brazil widely used in urban forestry, with medicinal potential, but its anatomical structure is not yet understood. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the structure of the aerial vegetative organs of this species using standard plant anatomy methodology. The leaf is trifoliolate, dorsiventral, hypostomatic, with stomata in crypts and veins extending to both epidermises. Such characteristics reduce transpiration and compartmentalize the intercellular spaces of the mesophyll. The petiole is characterized by a peculiar medullary vascular bundle. The stem in primary structure has a ring of fibers external to the phloem. In secondary structure, it is characterized by extremely high xylem rays and significant representation of axial parenchyma. Straight non-glandular or hook-shaped trichomes and club-shaped glandular trichomes occur in the epidermis of all analyzed organs. Unusual medullary secretory cells are highlighted in the leaf and stem.

Keywords:
anatomy; legume; medicinal plant; Toluidine blue; xeromorphism

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