Morphology, anatomy and leaf ultrastructure of Froelichia tomentosa (Mart.) Moq. (Amaranthaceae) - a critically endangered species in Brazil

In Brazil, Froelichia tomentosa (Mart.) Moq. has records of occurrence in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) and Bahia, however, the former there are indications that its populations extinct. RS, restricted to region sandy- fields. this region, biodiversity been threatened by advances agriculture forestry intensified sandy patch process. Therefore, work aimed describe morphoanatomy ultrastructure leaf blade tomentosa, seeking correlate characteristics environmental conditions. Individuals from different sand- fields (Pampa biome) were sampled. Leaf analyzes performed scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission (MET) optical (MO). The following anatomical features verified: epidermis with trichomes stomata adaxial abaxial surface, compact mesophyll, aquiferous hypodermis, Kranz anatomy, numerous plastoglobules peroxisomes. presence these characters may be related adaptation species environment. addition, we highlight necessity create conservation units sand-fields order preserve as well present study.