Anatomical features of leaves, fruits and seeds of <em>Sapindus saponaria</em> L. (Sapindaceae)

Abstract

The anatomical features of leaves, fruits and seeds of Sapindus saponaria L., a species used in the combat of ulcers and skin diseases, are described. Samples from fresh and fixed material are analyzed for taxonomic and pharmacognostical studies. Anatomical description was undertaken by the analysis of semi-permanent and permanent slides made with different sections of leaves and fruits stained with safranin and astra blue. Compound leaves present leaflets with acuminate apex and asymmetric base, glabrate in the adaxial and pubescent in abaxial surface. Druses and prismatic crystals occur in the dorsiventral mesophyll. Fruit is an indehiscent schizocarp, which has up to three developed mericarps. The exocarp is constituted by isodiametric cells with thick cuticle and many lenticels. The parenchymatic mesocarp presents secretory cavities and idioblasts which contain druses and prismatic crystals. The endocarp is constituted by lignified fibers with diagonal orientation. Seeds are bitegumented, exotestal and exalbuminous. In dried and ground leaves and fruits the following may be enhanced: fragments of adaxial and abaxial surface of the epidermis with complete trichomes, parenchymatic mesophyll, pericarp, druses and prismatic crystals