A study of the foliar anatomy of Eugenia florida DC., a tree of Myrtaceae family collected at Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, was accomplished. This species presents important pharmacological properties, including antiviral activity. The aim of this research was to furnish data, revealed by optical microscopy and scanning electronically microscopy, in order to contribute to the knowledge of the species and to its safe identification. Anatomically, the leaf is hipostomatic, with dorsiventral mesophyll. Simple unicellular hairs are present only on the adaxial side of the leaf in the midvein region. Anticlinal walls of epidermal cells are undulate and the cuticle is striate. Palisade parenchyma presents a large amount of prismatic oxalate crystals. In subepidermical position there are secretory cavities bearing ethereal oils. These structures occur in a low frequency and are scattered along the both sides of the foliar blade. The epidermal cells that overlap the secretory cavities form an important characteristic anatomical feature. They are recognizable by the top cell, which presents a kidney shape surrounded by cells in a radiate way. The comparison between sun and shade leaves shows a complete development of the secretory cavities and a higher concentration of ergastic compounds in the first ones.
Eugenia florida; Myrtaceae; foliar anatomy; medicinal plants; pharmacobotany
