Abstract
The taxonomy of the species of the genus Maprounea Aubl. (Euphorbiaceae) which are found in primary and secondary forests, "capoeiras" and "cerrados" in South America is discussed. Based on morphologic, anatomic and palynological studies two species and three varieties are distinguished: M. guianensis Aubl. var. guianensis, M. guianensis var. nervosa Müll. Arg. e M. guianensis var. obtusata (Müll. Arg.) Müll. Arg. e M. brasiliensis St. Hil. It's presented the leaf anatomy with the edge analysis, blade and petiole of all the "taxa" besides the description of the extrafloral nectaries. The number of rows of palisade tissue of the leaf blade and the distribution of the extrafloral nectaries are recognized to be good taxonomic features.