Scanning electron microscopy of the leaf epidermis of Merostachys Spreng. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae).

This study presents data on leaf micromorphology of 13 species of Merostachys Spreng. (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a neotropical genus with numerous endemic species. Greatest species richness is found in Central and Southern Brazil, with 41 of the 46 species described. Species were collected in the field at the localities: Itatiaia National Park and Tijuca National Park, Rio de Janeiro State; Fontes do Ipiranga State Park, Sao Paulo state; Santa Teresa, Espirito Santo State and Rio Doce State Park, Minas Gerais State. Dried plant material came from the herbarium at the Sao Paulo Botany Institute. The presence of prickles, silica bodies and macro hairs may be especially useful in delimiting species.