Planta Daninha (2009) 27, 515-526

I.M.C. Rodrigues, A.P.S. Souza Filho, F.A. Ferreira, F. Ilkiu-Borges and E.S.C. Gurgel (2009)
Anatomia e histoquímica das folhas de Senna alata
[Anatomy and histochemistry of Senna alata leaves]
Planta Daninha 27 (3), 515-526
Abstract: Senna alata is one of the most frequent weed species in the Amazonian region pastures. Its leaves present medicinal properties. Individuals of this species were cultivated and collected in the Experimental Field of Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Belém-PA, to carry out anatomical and histochemical analyses to provide taxonomy information, microscopic identification of allelochemicals and ecophysiological characterization of the species. Leaves presented two forms of trichomes: tector and glandular. Other foliar characteristics of the species were: amphistomatic leaf, dorsiventral mesophyll and abaxial epidermis papillose. Some of these suggest an adaptation mechanism to excessive warm environments. Also, the leaves are rich in calcium oxalate crystals along their veins, a characteristic of Caesalpiniodeae subfamily. Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and anthraquinones, were found in epidermal and basal trichome cells, and scattered cells from palisade parenchyma, especially near the midvein. This study confirms the presence of known allelochemical classes in different types of cells in Senna alata mesophyll.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Portuguese)
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Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Senna alata (weed)	Grasses/turf/rangeland	Brazil (NE)