Morpho‐anatomical diversity of the underground systems of Arrojadoa (Cactaceae), an endemic Brazilian genus. (21st August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lemos, Renata C. C.; Machado, Marlon C.; Melo‐De‐Pinna, Gladys F.
• Is Part Of: Botanical journal of the Linnean Society. Volume 173:Number 1(2013:Sep.)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2013-08-21
• Subjects: Botany -- Periodicals; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/boj.12077
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-4074

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>Members of <italic>Arrojadoa</italic> exhibit a variety of underground structures that can originate from roots or stems. Although the development of underground structures of stem origin in <italic>Arrojadoa</italic> represents a unique trait among Cactaceae of eastern Brazil, no detailed reports on the morphological diversity of such structures are available. The present morpho‐anatomical study of the underground systems of <italic>Arrojadoa</italic> has demonstrated that a single species can exhibit one or more structural types, such as single or branched stem tubers, short thick stems and/or long subterranean stems, thick and fleshy contractile roots and normal fibrous roots. Various morpho‐anatomical structures relating to the underground storage systems in <italic>Arrojadoa</italic> spp. have also been observed, including thick contractile roots consisting mainly of secondary xylem formed by fibrous wood with wide‐band tracheids (WBTs) and underground stems with a wide cortical region and WBTs‐type wood. Based on the evidence presented, we suggest that such traits, together with the occurrence of contractile roots associated with underground stems, are important adaptive strategies for the survival of the plants during seasonal drought in areas of cerrado (savannah), campo rupestre (rocky uplands) and caatinga (dry thorny scrubland). © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, <italic>Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society</italic>, 2013, <bold>173</bold>, 108–128.</p> </abstract>