Anacardium occidentale L. (Anacardiaceae) is a typical species of the Central Brazil cerrado and has socioeconomic importance. The present study aimed to characterize anatomically and histochemically the roots and leaves of this species at different stages of early development. For anatomical characterization, the samples were fixed in FAA50, embedded in paraffin and subjected to the usual procedures for light microscopy. Histochemical tests were performed to detect total lipids, tannins, lignin, starch and terpenoids with a carbonyl group in the leaves, and test for starch in roots in fresh cuts. The root has uniseriate epidermis, phloem and xylem with secretory ducts tetrarc. Five days after germination the plant presents regions with secondary growth and has the pith in the root, with storage function of starch grains. The leaves exhibit uniseriate epidermis with glandular trichomes, thick cuticle and paracytic stomata on both sides. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and midrib presents collateral vascular bundles with secretory ducts associated with phloem. The histochemical characterization showed lipids and phenolic compounds, including tannins and lignin in different tissues of the leaf. The seedling has characteristics that demonstrate its adaptation to Cerrado, as thick cuticle, dorsiventral mesophyll, secondary growth, presence of trichomes, even when cultivated in greenhouse.
Plant anatomy; Secretory ducts; Cerrado
