Abstract

MARTIN MONTIEL, DC et al. Growth habit and root anatomy in Macroptilium erythroloma and Macroptilium bracteatum (Fabaceae). Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2012, vol.81, n.2, pp.215-220. ISSN 1851-5657.

We studied the growth habit and root anatomy on two species of the Macroptilium genera, Fabaceae. These species, potential forages, are native to the Northwest Provinces in Argentina. The aims of this paper were to determine the survival capacity of the study species relating its growth habit and persistence with morphological and anatomical features. Root samples were collected and cut using either a microtome or by hand, at varying distances from the root tip. Cuts were examined under a light microscope, and with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using staining techniques. Macroptilium bracteatum and M. erythroloma are perennial herbs. Aerial parts die during winter, and sprouting occurs in spring from the innovation area, throughout sub-superficial buds. In addition, M. bracteatum and M. erythroloma develop root succulence as a strategy of persistence. Besides, M. bracteatum presents endogenous root buds arising from one-year-old roots with secondary growth. These results indicate that both Macroptilium bracteatum and M. erythroloma have good potential as forage species.

Keywords : Macroptilium; Root anatomy; Root buds; Root sprouts; Forage species.

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