Despite the ecological importance of bromeliads, the basic knowledge about the physiological aspects in some species is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to physiologically characterize the species Nidularium campo-alegrense Leme and Aechmea ornata Baker to contribute to a better understanding of their metabolic processes. From mature leaves of bromeliads N. campo-alegrense and A. ornata held at the Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, it was quantified photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and starch, and determined stomata and trichome density. The chlorophyll and carotenoids content did not differ significantly between species. However, the total carbohydrates content of A. ornata (3.2 mg g-1 FM) was... |