Endodermis with meristematic activity in roots of species of Scleria Berg. (Cyperaceae)

Abstract

The root system of Scleria is, as in the remaining Cyperaceae, a system of adventitious roots. In the study of root anatomy of seven species from Minas Gerais state, Brazil, one relevant aspect is the presence of a cortex, formed by radially placed cells, resulting from an endodermis with meristematic activity, formed by initial cells. More than half the thickness of the cortex is the result of this activity, constituting the Derivatives of the Meristematic Endodermis (DME). After endodermal initials divisions ceases, this tissue undergoes differentiation, first forming casparian strip, proceeding to, and at the farthest levels from the apex, secondary thickening of these cell walls. The internal cortex presents thickening of cell walls at the level whereat the endodermis denotes casparian strip.