Anatomia dos órgãos vegetativos de Cattleya violacea (Kunth) Rolfe (Orchidaceæ)

Abstract

Considering that the vegetative structure of species of the Brazilian genus of Læliinæ subtribe is poorly known, the vegetative organs of Cattleya violacea are described here. Freehand sections of vegetative organs were obtained according to the usual techniques for plant anatomy. Pseudobulb and leaf present sclerifi ed hypoderm and thick cuticle. Such features are adaptations to epiphytism and the necessity for water storage. Uniformity of anatomic features supports the morphoanatomic and molecular data for the subtribe Læliinæ (Epidendreæ tribe). Anatomic and histochemical characters analyzed, such as undistinguished epivelame and endovelame and the presence of fl avonoid crystals, present generic uniformity, which can serve as a tool for the delimitation of the subtribe representatives.