Foliar micromorphology and anatomy of Ugni molinae Turcz. (Myrtaceae), with particular reference to schizogenous secretory cavities

Abstract

Background: Ugni molinae Turcz. is one of the most studied species of South American Myrtaceae due to its edible fruits and foliar medicinal compounds. However, there is no anatomical study of the leaves or secretory cavities. This paper seeks to describe the leaf micromorphology and anatomy of the species using standard protocols for light and scanning electron microscopy. Secretory cavities were anatomically characterized in young and mature leaves. Histochemical staining of the cavities was performed. Results: The leaves of U. molinae are hypostomatic, have a wavy surface and possess scattered hairs. Leaf anatomical features include dorsiventral mesophyll, two to three layers of palisade parenchyma with abundant chloroplasts, calcium oxalate crystals and internal phloem in vascular bundles. Schizogenous secretory cavities are present on the abaxial surface and are mainly located on the margins of the leaves. Histochemical tests of these cavities suggest the presence of lipophilic substances.

Ecological anatomy of Eugenia luschnathiana (O.Berg) Klotzsch ex B.D.Jacks. (Myrtaceae) leaves in the Restinga region, state of Ceara

“…Hypoestomatic leaves also appear in other Myrtaceae (CUSTÓIO et al, 2013;MORRETES, 2011;PACHECO-SILVA;DONATO, 2016;RETAMALES et al, 2014;SILVA et al, 2013). This characteristic can favor plants that live in environments with high luminosity and periods of water deficit, enabling saving water because it reduces transpiration rates (ESPOSITO-POLESI et al, 2011).…”

“…Dorsiventral mesophyll with a single palisade parenchyma layer and presence of collecting cells were also found for E. florida DC. MORRETES, 2009), as well as in other Myrtaceae species (PACHECO-SILVA;DONATO, 2016;RETAMALES et al, 2014;SILVA et al, 2013;MORRETES, 2011).…”

Vacuum drying of Chilean murta (Ugni molinaeTurcz) berries: Effect of temperature on kinetic parameters and assessment of energy consumption

“…Murta berry is most often consumed as a fresh fruit because of its organoleptic characteristics, and as a rich and diversified source of bioactive compounds with health‐promoting properties that have been intensively studied. The fruit is also processed commercially to be sold canned or as jam, juice, tea, essential oils, alcoholic extracts, or liquor (Alfaro et al, ; Retamales, Scherson, & Scharaschkin, ). Due to its pleasant fruit aroma, the murta has a great potential for commercialization in a dried state (Ah‐Hen, Zambra, Aguëro, Vega‐Gálvez, & Lemus‐Mondaca, ).…”

MURTA (Ugni molinae Turcz.): A REVIEW ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF LEAVES AND FRUITS

“…Murta is an aromatic species belonging to the Myrtaceae family that typically dwells near the coastal and pre-Andean mountains of South America. It can also grow in subtropical regions, such as the Juan Fernández Island, but it can even grow in relatively desolate areas, such as sites of old lava flows, which indicates that it is a versatile plant (Schreckinger et al, 2010;Retamales et al, 2014). Some specimens of murta are also found in western Argentina, and certain regions of Bolivia (Scheuermann et al, 2008).…”

“…1C). It is known as "murta" in the zones of Valdivia and Chiloé, as "murtilla" in Concepción surroundings and as "uñi" by Mapuche people (Fredes, 2009;Retamales et al, 2014).…”