As Lecythidaceae Poit. Na reserva de desenvolvimento sustentável do Tupé

Abstract

The pantropical Lecythidaceae is a family which includes 17 genera and approximately 300 species. In Brazil, 122 species in 9 genera are distributed throughout the country, but they are most diverse in the Amazon rainforest where it is one of the most abundant families. It is known worldwide as "Brazil nut family" because the seeds of Bertholletia excelsa, which is the commercially most important species of the family. As although it is one of the most important families in the Amazon there are few anatomical and morphological studies of the family. The collection of fertile material is hampered by the height of the trees and the irregularity of flowering and fruiting. Because species are very similar in vegetative morphology, it is very difficult to identify them when they are sterile. Thus, this study we examined the morphology of 10 species of Lecythidaceae and sought useful characters of leaf anatomy to determine these species. We observed 57 external morphology characters, both vegetative and reproductive, and 84 leaf anatomy characters. These served as a basis for the development of identification keys and descriptions of the species. From the external morphological characteres we made a key to identification using both reproductive and vegetative characters and also a key using only vegetative characters, which proved reliable in species identification. The characters of leaf anatomy were used to prepare a another key based on the pattern of leaf venation and a further key based on characters of the leaf blade, midrib and petiole. The venation pattern was very similar among species and was not considered a helpful character in taxonomy of Lecythidaceae and other anatomical features were more important in separating the species. The midrib showed the most important characters for reliably determining the species. Because the leaves are found throughout the year in the trees, it makes possible to identify the species even in the vegetative stage using simple and quick techniques of leaf anatomy.