Leaf Morphology and Anatomy in species of Cheilanthes (Pteridaceae) of northwestern Argentina

Abstract

A morphoanatomical study is made of C. arequipensis, C. bonariensis, C. buchtienit, C. microphylla, C. notholaenoides, C. obducta, C. sarmientoi y C. squamosa. A key is made, based on relevant morphologic and anatomic characters. The leaf anatomy of these species is described for the first time. The study of the leaf structure, shows differences between the species in the epidermis, types of indument, mesophy, and mechanical tissue which set the bases for new systematic studies.