Use of Frozen Leaves for Morpho-anatomical Characterization of Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez., Lauraceae

Abstract

Nectandra megapotamica (Spreng.) Mez. it is a native tree species of the Atlantic Forest, commonly known as canela-preta. The species has some antiinflammatory, antitumor and antirheumatic properties among others. In this work the use of frozen plant material for microscopy analysis was tested. In addition, the leaf morpho-anatomy of the species was characterized which allowed to perform a structural description and to identify structures of secretion and storage of essential oil. The plant material was prepared for analyzes in optical, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The leaf anatomy shows glabrous epidermis, unistratified, paracytic stomata, absence of trichomes, polyhedral epidermal cells. Some typical family characteristics were observed as a closed arc-shaped bicollateral bundle HIGHLIGHTS• It was possible to obtain a morpho-anatomical characterization from frozen leaf samples.• Typical structures of the family Lauraceae described by other authors were identified.• Secretion and storage of essential oil occurs in secretory cavities.2 Costa, L.S.; et al.