Biotemas (Jun 2010)
Anatomy and morphology of Podocarpus lambertii Klotzsch ex Endl (Podocarpaceae) leaves growing in two areas with different successional status on Iraí Reservoir margins
Abstract
For the recovery of a degraded area to occur in a satisfactory way, it is essential to elucidate the ecology of native tree species. This study aimed to evaluate the morpho-anatomical response of P. lambertii after 18 months of deployment in different conditions of light, considering as a factor of change areas with different degrees of succession on margins of the Iraí Reservoir, at the time of establishment of the experiment. For this, aspects of morphology (leaf area, dry weight, specific leaf area, stomatal density), anatomy (thickness of cuticle, adaxial epidermis, palisade parenchyma, transfusion parenchyma, spongy parenchyma, abaxial epidermis and total thickness) and development (height, diameter and survival) were evaluated. The results showed that P. lambertii made a significant difference to the leaf area, being higher for individuals of regenerating forestry. For the stomatal density, cuticle thickness, palisade and spongy parenchyma, total thickness, height and diameter were significantly higher for individuals in the open field. The rate of survival was similar for both areas. Thus, P. lambertii under the conditions of this study has proved itself able to adapt to conditions that have either greater or lesser availability of irradiance. However, it presents a more satisfactory development in conditions of intermediate light.
