Anatomical studies were performed here in order to provide diagnostic characteristics to differentiate the species Stylogyne depauperata, S. pauciflora, S. sordida and S. warmingii. Fully expanded leaves were processed by the usual techniques of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Traits common to all species were observed, such as dorsiventral mesophyll, unistratified epidermis, anisocytic stomata, druses and secretory cavities distributed throughout the mesophyll. Cuticular ornamentation, configuration of the vascular system in the petiole and shape of the secretory cavities provide diagnostic characteristics. Variance analysis proved that these characters are potentially efficient to differentiate these species.
Ardisia; secretory structures; taxonomy; Myrsinaceae
