Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), is a forming clumps herb and presents aromatic, medicinal and condimental properties. It has European origin and is widely cultivated and used in Brazil. Due to lack of information concerning the structural organization of seedlings of medicinal species, this study aimed to provide information about the anatomy and development of F. vulgare seedlings. The seeds fennel was sowed in sand and maintained in greenhouse for 25 days, with daily waterings. Were selected normal seedlings and with patterns uniforms, for freehand seccion of root, transition zone, stem, cotyledons and first leaves. This material was stained and mounted on slides with glycerol for observation under microscope. In all the parts of seedling fennel the epidermis is uniseriate, with a cuticle and stomata, and the two latter structures are not found in the root, but has tapered hairs unicellular. The cotyledons and the leaves have photosynthetic and nutrition functions, as indicated by the presence of large numbers of stomata, chloroplast and starch. The anatomical characterization of the F. vulgare seedling aids in specie identification and knowledge of cellular organization, providing information that assists in physiological, taxonomic and ecological studies.
Foeniculum vulgare Mill.; fennel; germination; seedlings identification
