The Clusioid clade is quite diverse, encompassing the five families Clusiaceae, Bonnetiaceae, Calophyllaceae, Hypericaceae, and Podostemaceae. However, its members have important synapomorphies, such as the presence of xanthones, polyisoprenylated benzophenones, and quinones, as well as schizogenous secretory ducts and cavities, and tenuinucellate ovules. Owing to the milky appearance of the exudate present in ducts of these families (except Bonnetiaceae), many authors have referred to this secretion as latex, while others have preferred to use the term resin. Faced with this confusion about the description of the exudate present in Clusiaceae, the aim of this study was to identify which classes of substances are being produced by those structures in the genus Clusia, compared with other members of Clusiaceae and the Clusioid clade in general. Furthermore, we describe the structure and distribution of the secretory ducts in species of Clusia, as well as a detailed histochemical study. These secretory ducts secrete an exudate of variable composition, but predominantly terpenic. We conclude that Clusia, as well as some representatives of the Clusioid clade, do not have latex but resiniferous secretory ducts.
Resumo Apresentamos o tratamento de Clusiaceae para a flora das cangas da Serra dos Caraj ás, Pará, Brasil. São reconhecidas três espécies de Clusia: C. nemorosa, C. panapanari e C. aff. weddelliana, além de Garcinia madruno e Symphonia globulifera. Clusia aff. weddelliana apresenta algumas diferenças marcantes com os demais espécimes provenientes de outras localidades do Pará. São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e comentários taxonômicos sobre as espécies.
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