Anatomia e histoquímica das folhas de cassia fistula l. (leguminosae-caesalpinioideae)

Abstract

Cassia fistula L., popularly known as Golden Rain or ‘Canafistula’, occurs in South Africa, Mexico, China, India, Africa and Brazil. It has importance as both an ornamental and medicinal species, the latter as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial agent. The objective of this work was an anatomical and mmunohistochemical analysis of this species. Material, collected at the FC herbarium, Federal Rural University of Amazonia, was set in TNF and FAA and subjected to standard plant anatomy and histochemistry methods. In front view, the cells of the adaxial epidermis had rectangular straight shapes, anticlinal walls on the abaxial in varied shapes and with no defined organization. Trichomes were observed on both sides and paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface only. In cross section, the leaflet blade epidermis had heterodimencionais cells with a thick and slightly papillose cuticle. The mesophyll is dorsiventral with collateral vascular bundles. The main vein with a flat upper side, was convex abaxial with a bicollateral vascular bundle. The rachis had a slightly papillose epidermis with the presence of stomata, a vascular system surrounded by a sclerenchymatic sheath and a central region filled with parenchyma. The petiole is similar to the rachis. The immuno-histochemical analysis indicated phenolic compounds and lignin in the midrib; phenolic compounds, lignin and lipids in the the rachis; and phenolic compounds, tannins, lignin, lipids and terpenes in the petiole. The results indicated that the anatomical analysis of Cassia L. fistulam leaves had structures common to other Caesalpinioideae. In histochemical tests, it was observed the presence of phenolic compounds in all analyzed regions.