title: [Leaf epidermis ultrastructure of Zeugites (Poaceae: Panicoideae)].
abstract: The genus Zeugites comprises eleven species of neotropical grasses and it is principally distributed in Mexico, with some species extending to the Caribbean region, Central and South America. In this work, leaf epidermis ultrastructure of 11 species is described by the use of scanning electron microscopy. At least three specimens per species, that included herbarium and collected specimens, were used. An identification key and specific descriptions are included, in which the distinctive epidermal features are highlighted. The taxonomic valuable characters found were the following: presence or absence of prickles and macrohairs, intercostals short cells form and silica body form. Based on leaf epidermis characteristics, Zeugites species can be arranged into three groups: (1) species that lack prickles (Z. americana, Z. mexicana, Z. pringlei, Z. munroana and Z. sagittata); and lack macro hairs, with the exception of Z. pringlei; (2) species that have prickles (Z. latifolia and Z. smilacifolia); (3) species that have both, prickles and macrohairs (Z. capillaris, Z. hackelii, Z. pittieri and Z. sylvatica). The morphological features of leaf epidermis, support the relationship between the tribes Centotheceae and Paniceae.
authors: Red de Biodiversidad y Sistemática, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. Carretera antigua a Coatepec 351, El Haya, Xalapa 91070, Veracruz, México. ana.soriano@inecol.edu.mx
authors: Ana María
authors: AM
authors: Soriano
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Terrazas
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Dávila
mesh_terms: D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D019441:Plant Epidermis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006109:Poaceae / Q000145:classification / Q000648:ultrastructure*