Cerrado species: ontogeny, leaf anatomy and secondary xylem structure

Abstract

The Cerrado is the second largest brazilian domain and occupies around 22% of our territory. It has high biodiversity, however it is one of the most threatened areas due to agricultural activities and mainly due to climate change. Despite this, species present in cerrado are little known, especially their internal structures. Based on this information, the objetives of this work were to carry out a study of species from significant families in the cerrado, of srhub and arboreal sizes, addressing the ontogeny and leaf anatomy, as well as the structural and functional traits of the stems secondary xylem. During their development, the species presented tipical adaptative characteristics of cerrado and an anatomical pattern similar to species already describes for their respective families. As for the secondary xylem traits, there were statistical diferences in all the variables analysed, and it was observed that all species presented xermorphical traits compatible with the environment in which they are inserted. This study is very importante for developing species conservation strategies, as well as the cerrado. Although species have some structures in common that allow the to adapt to the environment where they live, it is possible to conclude that they have diferente survival strategies, which can result in modifications in some more plastic characteristics.