Anatomia radicial de Mormodes sinuata Rchb. f. & Warm.; (Catasetinae, Cymbidieae: Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Since there is a lack of information on the root organization of the sub-tribe Catasetinae, current research describes the anatomy of Mormodes sinuata roots and indicate adaptations related to water provision and other taxonomical traits. Five roots of three plants, cut at the median region with a blade, were fixed and preserved in alcohol 5%. Cuts were stained by saffron blue 0.05% and mounted in glycerin. Although the roots have structural characteristics adapted to epiphytism, some anatomic characteristics demonstrate that the species requires more watering or wetter environments when compared with other types of Catasetinae. Root anatomic characteristics foreground results by authors who include the sub-tribe Catasetinae within the tribe Cymbidieae. Further, anatomic characteristics have a generic uniformity and are a tool for the genus's systematics.