Structural studies as taxonomic evidence for Simaba Aubl. (Simaroubaceae)

Author(s)

Gisele Gomes Nogueira Alves

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Biociências (IBIOC/SB)
• Defense date: 2015-06-16

Examining board members

Jose Rubens Pirani; Sandra Maria Carmello Guerreiro; Nanuza Luiza de Menezes

• Advisor: Jose Rubens Pirani

Abstract

The Simaroubaceae family is a group with great potential for study. With essentially tropical distribution, it is considered a relatively small group within the Order Sapindales and monophyletic, but morphologically diverse. Only Engler, in the late nineteenth century, studied in detail the family in Brazil, and since then the additions to the knowledge of the group have taken place gradually. This dissertation deals with structural studies on the largest genus of the family Simaba, analyzing the leaflet structure of representatives of all its sections, Simaba sect. Floribundae Engl., S. sect. Grandiflorae Engl. and S. sect. Tenuiflorae Engl., we select morphological and anatomical characters for this genus, which does not receive taxonomic treatment since 1983. In addition to the study of vegetative structures, we documented floral structures of selected Simaba species, which have few study records in the group\'s literature. Through a comparative analysis of the morphology and anatomy of flower, we studied species belonging to sections S. sect. Floribundae and S. sect. Grandiflorae, traditionally distinguished mainly by flower size and degree of fusion of stamen appendages, but with some morphological similarity. In addition to presenting the descriptions and illustrations of the vegetative and reproductive structural features, we investigate the existence of floral traits not yet reported for the group. We also provide an overview of informative leaf and floral characters that support the resolution of existing taxonomic problems in the genus and to assist delimitation among species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/13108-4 - Structural Studies as support to the taxonomy of the genus Simaba Sect. Floribundae and S. sect. Grandiflorae (Simaroubaceae)
• Grantee: Gisele Gomes Nogueira Alves
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master