Anatomy of the aerial vegetative organs of Phoradendron strongyloclados Eichler (Viscaceae)

Abstract

Phoradendron strongyloclados Eichler is a hemiparasite commonly known as mistletoe. Representatives of the genus Phoradendron are used in folk medicine, but little is known about P. strongyloclados, including its anatomical structure. The present work aimed to describe the anatomy of the aerial vegetative organs of P. strongyloclados. For this purpose, the usual methodology in plant anatomy was used. The leaves have thick cuticle, unistratified epidermis, paracytic stomata and isobilateral mesophyll. The cataphyll is bilobed, with homogeneous mesophyll and vascularization. The stem has an elliptical cross section in primary structure. In a secondary structure, it maintains the photosynthetic tissues and the epidermis. The pith is sclerified. The wood is developed, rigid, fibrous, with short vessel elements and simple perforation plate. Rays are heterocellular and their cells may contain prismatic crystals. The compact arrangement of parenchyma cells, thick cuticle, high lignification and low surface/volume ratio; small, fleshy, closely spaced leaves characterize xeromorphy.