| In this paper we examine the leaf-blade anatomy of: Commelina erecta L. var. erecta f. erecta, Tradescantia fluminensis Vell., Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos, and T. glandulosa (Seub.) Rohweder. These species grow in the coastal region of the Río de la Plata (Argentina) where they are used as ophthalmic, diuretic, antirheumatic, sudorific, and digestive. The aim of this study was to establish diagnostic features in order to deepen knowledge of these medicinal species and thus, get a valuable tool to establish their botanical identity. The leaves were prepared according to usual methods for light and scanning electron microscopes. Histochemical techniques to identify starch, lipophilic substances, mucilage, tannins, and oxalate salts were performed.... |
