Abstract
The leaf epidermis microstructures are considered of great value in several Cyperaceae groups taxonomy and the silica deposition is one of the aspects with great relevance. A variable proportion of the epidermis cells presents silica bodies, almost always with conical shape and, related to the leaf costal areas. The silica bodies assume different shapes as the silica conglomerates. In the species analyzed, the silica forms cones, conglomerates and also, appears impregnating the epidermis cell walls, including stomata and hairs. Based on this paper information, the bracts epidermis in the studied species of Scleria offers some subsidies, like silica bodies shape, stomata distribution and presence or absence of hairs (short and long) that can be used as diagnostic characters in taxonomic delimitation.
Key words:
silica; stomata; hairs
