科研之友
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摘要
Rupicolous and epiphytic plants have evolved in search of environmental light conditions, throughout their evolution, the former thriving among rocks, and the latter growing non-parasitically on other plants (trees). However, while their habitats have provided sufficient light, they are also characterized by xeric conditions. This work compares leaf morphoanatomy between the rupicolous Sinningia bullata Chautems & M. Peixoto and the epiphytic Codonanthe gracilis (Mart.) Hanst in order to find insightful correlations in their adaptations to water stress. It also presents the first description of the anatomy of the leaf of S. bullata. In vivo leaf samples were cut and fixed for analysis under both optical and the scanning electronic microscopy. Both plants were observed to have dorsiventral and hypostomatic leaf. Anatomically, the plants share the same type of stomata complex, i.e., amphianisocytic, with collateral vascular bundles in between the spongy and palisade parenchymas. The presence of water storage tissue and conspicuous epicuticular wax and cuticle are evidence of some of the adaptations that these plants have made against water stress. Thus, while both plants show similarities of morphoanatomical adaptations that enhance their ability to thrive in spite of water stress, S. bullata has evolved additional adaptive strategies, such as convexities of the epidermis and the presence of long trichomes.
- 出版日期2015-12
