Anatomical and chemical analyses of leaf secretory cavities of Rustia formosa (Rubiaceae)

Vieira, R.C.; Delprete, P.G.; Leitao, G.G.; Leitao, S.G.

Anatomical and chemical analyses of leaf secretory cavities of Rustia formosa (Rubiaceae)

2001

Vieira, R.C. | Delprete, P.G. | Leitao, G.G. | Leitao, S.G.

Foliar secretory cavities, commonly called leaf pellucid glands, have been reported in many families of vascular plants. In the Rubiaceae, these structures have only been found in the sister genera Rustia and Tresanthera, which are also anomalous within the family because they have poricidal anthers, and in the distantly related Heterophyllaea. General leaf anatomy, with particular attention to secretory cavities, as well as the chemical analysis of the secreted substances of Rustia formosa, is presented here for the first time. The secretory structures have been found in the lamina between the palisade and spongy parenchymas and in the cortical region of the petiole. The chemical analysis showed that the essential oil secreted is a complex mixture of at least 75 components, mostly of sesquiterpenoid composition. Illustrations of the leaf anatomy, details of the secretory structures of Rustia formosa, a gas chromatogram, and a table of the principal components of the leaf essential oil are included.

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