Leaf anatomy in the Tecophilaeaceae

ARROYO, S., 1986. Leaf anatomy in the Tecophilaeaceae . Leaf anatomy of 12 species of the seven genera in the Tecophilaeaceae is described. Characters of taxonomic value within the family are the shape of epidermal cells, hairs and venation. Characters of diagnostic importance at the family level include the occurrence of raphide sacs in the mesophyll, the absence of vessels in the aerial part of the plant and the presence of anomocytic stomata. Leaf anatomy is of restricted value within the family but supports the retention of both Cyanastrum and Walleria within the Tecophilaeaceae.