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Epidermal and hypodermal characteristics in North American Cactoideae (Cactaceae)
Sofia Loza-Cornejo1, Teresa Terrazas
1Programa de Botánica, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillo, Estado de México, 56230 México.
Journal of Plant Research
|February 28, 2003
Summary
North American Cactoideae species exhibit diverse dermal and hypodermal features, including parallelocytic stomata and variable epidermal layers. While most have thin cuticles, some show distinct thickness, and cellular inclusions offer taxonomic insights.
Area of Science:
- Plant anatomy
- Botany
- Taxonomy
Background:
- Cacti (Cactoideae) exhibit diverse adaptations.
- Understanding dermal and hypodermal features is crucial for cactus classification.
- Previous studies often assume thick cuticles in cacti.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dermal and hypodermal anatomical characteristics of North American Cactoideae.
- To identify features with potential taxonomic value within the Cactoideae subfamily.
- To challenge the assumption of universally thick cuticles in cacti.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic examination of dermal and hypodermal tissues.
- Analysis of stomatal type, epidermal layering, cuticle thickness, and papillae presence.
- Identification and characterization of cellular inclusions like silica bodies and crystals.
Main Results:
- All studied species possess parallelocytic stomata.
- Cuticle thickness is generally narrow (1-10 microm), with exceptions like Ariocarpus fissuratus.
- Over 80% of species have a single-layered epidermis; papillae are noted in eight species.
- Hypodermis typically comprises multiple cell layers with collenchymatous walls.
- Various cellular inclusions (silica bodies, crystals, druses) show potential for genus-level distinction.
Conclusions:
- Dermal and hypodermal features in North American Cactoideae are diverse and taxonomically informative.
- The finding of generally narrow cuticles contrasts with common assumptions.
- Further research on specific genera is recommended to fully utilize cellular inclusions for taxonomic purposes.