ABSTRACT
The morphoanatomical studies in 25 taxa of Oxypetalum are presented. The genus comprises about 130 species distributed in Central and South America. The external morphology of the flower was studied together with the anatomic and SEM analysis, to provide better understanding of these organs. The presence of bicollateral bundles, crystalliferous idioblasts and sepals with colleter was observed. The corona consists of five parenchymatous lobes with or without vascularization. The translators (retinaculum and caudicula) are formed from a viscous exsudate of the secretory cells which cover the stylar head. These results enhance the understanding of the floral characteristics and can be used towards the identification of the taxa within the genus, mainly considering the distinct morphology of corona, pollinaria and style appendage.
Key words:
morphology; anatomy; collecter and translators; Asclepiadaceae; SEM