Morphoanatomy and Histochemistry of Symplocos tetrandra (Mart.) Mart. (Symplocaceae)

The Symplocaceae family comprises 406 species, all of which are classified within a single genus, Symplocos Jacq., which is distributed across multiple continents. In Brazil, this genus is predominantly found in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado regions and is characterized by the presence of secondary metabolites, such as iridoids, terpenoids, and saponins with biological activities. Moreover, the literature research has unveiled the potential of this genus for antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-HIV applications. This research conducted morphoanatomical, histochemical studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the leaves and stems of Symplocos tetrandra (Mart.) Mart. Cross-sections and paradermal were performed. The investigation revealed the presence of prismatic calcium oxalate crystal in petiole and druses calcium oxalate crystals, in petiole and leaf blade. Paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface, lignified pith in the stem, which was detected with the phloroglucinol staining. Oil bodies, uniseriate epidermis, and a thin lipidic cuticle were confirmed with Sudan III. These findings suggest potential anatomical markers for taxonomic classification of the species. The data obtained in this study contributes for species identification, and the presence of metabolites can guide future pharmacological investigation with S. tetrandra.