Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are found in many species of Fabaceae. The aim of this work is to describe the internal morphology of the EFNs from species of Fabaceae found in areas of dry-seasonal forest in north-eastern Brazil. All species of Fabaceae with EFNs found were collected and samples were submitted to conventional techniques for anatomical and scanning electronic microscopy analysis. EFNs were found in 35 species, of which 32 were examined anatomically. All types have epidermal cells, secretory tissues and vascular bundles in the EFNs. Sclerenchymatous cells were found between the secretory tissues and the vascular tissues, with a few exceptions. The function of these cells is not clear; however, a role in the transportation of the sap in the nectary or with the support of the secretory tissue is possible. The nectar is released through glandular trichomes, secretory pores or even by breaking the epidermal cells and cuticle. The internal patterns found in the EFNs from different species and genera can provide important information for taxonomic and evolutionary studies in the family.

RESUMO -(Morfologia de nectários em Leguminosae senso lato em áreas de caatinga no Brasil). Nectários extrafl orais (Nefs) são glândulas secretoras de néctar encontradas em diversas espécies de Angiospermas, inclusive Leguminosae. Essas estruturas podem se apresentar sob diferentes formas (elevados, embebidos; com ou sem estipe; cores distintas) e posições nas plantas (na raque, no pecíolo), sendo essas características relevantes aos estudos de taxonomia e sistemática. Este trabalho analisou a diversidade morfológica dos Nefs em Leguminosae de uma área prioritária para a conservação da caatinga no Estado de Pernambuco. As 35 espécies de Legumionsae estudadas foram coletadas no Município de Mirandiba, no semi-árido Pernambucano, e submetidas às técnicas usuais para análise e descrição morfológica. Entre essas espécies, foram caracterizados Nefs com origem primária (não substitutivos) e secundária (substitutivos). Dois diferentes tipos com onze formatos distintos foram encontrados entre elas. Uma grande variedade de localização, coloração, projeção, e dimensão foram registradas aqui. Uma chave de identifi cação e ilustrações foram elaboradas também. Os dados apresentados aqui ampliam o número de espécies estudadas com Nefs para a família, e também confi rmam a importância taxonômica e ecológica dessas estruturas para os legumes da região do semi-árido do Brasil. Palavras-chave: Glândulas, morfologia, néctar, sistemática ABSTRACT -(Nectary morphology of Leguminosae senso lato in areas of dry seasonal forest in Brazil). Extrafl oral nectaries (Efns) are nectar secreting glands found in many species of Angiosperms, including Leguminosae. These structures have various forms (elevated, embedded; stalk present or not; different colors) and positions on the plants (on the rachis, on the petiole), and these characteristics are relevant to taxonomy and morphology studies. This work analyses the morphological diversity of Efns in Leguminosae from a priority conservation area of caatinga in Pernambuco state. The 35 Leguminosae species studied were collected in Mirandiba municipality, a semi-arid region of Pernambuco and submitted to the usual techniques of anatomy and morphology analyses. Among these species, Efns with primary (non-substitutive) and secondary (substitutive) origin were characterized. Two different kinds and eleven distinct Efns forms were found. A large variety of placement, color, shape, and size are reported here. An identifi cation key and illustrations are also provided. Our data increased the number of species studied with Efns in the family, and also confi rm the taxonomic and ecological importance of this structure for legumes from the semi-arid region of Brazil.