Leaf anatomy of Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) in urban and rural environments, Sao Paulo State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to compare leaves of Eugenia uniflora from the city of Sao Paulo with leaves of plants from a rural site. Leaf size, tissue thickness, and stomatal and crystal density of E. uniflora growing at two sites in the city of Sao Paulo were investigated by light microscopy and compared with samples from a rural area. The level and types of air pollutants varied at the urban sites. Primary pollutants were present on Bandeirantes Avenue and secondary ones in the park (Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga - PEFI). Urban leaves were smaller, thinner and with higher stomatal and crystal density. We observed greater spongy parenchyma thickness in leaves from the avenue when compared to those from the park. No qualitative differences were observed between urban and rural leaves. Leaves from the two urban sites showed similarities, but were different from rural leaves, so we believe that the differences observed may be attributed to the polluted environment of Sao Paulo. In order to confirm this hypothesis, control experiments should be done.