Abstract

PEREZ-GARCIA, Martha  and  SEPULVEDA-SANCHEZ, José David. Micromorphology of epicuticular waxes in mature leaves of Sabal yapa Wright ex Becc. (Arecaceae). Polibotánica [online]. 2011, n.32, pp.153-161. ISSN 1405-2768.

This paper reports the presence of epicuticular wax on the epidermal cuticle of the adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the leaf blade of Sabal yapa Wright ex Becc. Leaf samples were collected in secondary growth of subdeciduos forest in the State of Quintana Roo and in two home gardens in the State of Yucatan. Wax micromorphology observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed two types of crystals (following the classification of Barthlott et al., 1998) on both epidermal surfaces. The first type is characterized by crystalloids called irregular platelets, which are flat with sinuate margins and protrude perpendicularly from the surface. In their orientation they are arranged like the parallel platelets described as the "Convallaria-Type". The other type consists of continuous coverings over the stomata that are called smooth layers. Further studies on palm waxes, as well as a refined classification, are necessary to compare and clearly define their micromophology and their role and importance.

Keywords : crystalloids; cuticle; epicuticular waxes; micromorphology; Sabal yapa; SEM.

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