Sistema laticífero em órgãos aéreos de Ipomoea carnea Jacq. (Convolvulaceae).

Abstract

Laticifers are secretory structures that produce “latex”, a substance of variable chemical composition with suspended precipitates or colloids and various dissolved solutes, which may or may not have a milky appearance. The laticifer system is made up of organized and connected cells that form latex secretory tubes that run through various plant tissues. Ipomoea carnea Jacq. subsp. fistulosa is a shrubby species popularly known as “Pantanal cotton”, “wild cotton” or “cotton tree”. Different terminologies have been used to characterize the internal secretory structures found in Ipomoea species. Therefore, this work aimed to anatomia evaluate the internal secretory structure in Ipomoea carnea, identify the main chemical compounds present in the exudate and describe its development. The laticifers analyzed here were classified as articulated anastomosed in the developed organs. In some regions, terminal walls remained intact, especially in developing organs. In Ipomoea carnea, laticifers are present in all aerial organs analyzed, stem, leaf and floral organs (sepals, petals and stamens). Latex is composed of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, proteins and terpenes.