The multiple roles of trichomes in two Croton species.

Trichomes are common in plants from dry environments, and despite their recognized role in protection and defense, little is known about their role as absorptive structures and in other aspects of leaf ecophysiology. We combine anatomical and ecophysiological data to evaluate how trichomes affect leaf gas exchange and water balance during drought. We studied two congeneric species with pubescent leaves which co-occur in Brazilian Caatinga: Croton blanchetianus (dense trichomes) and Croton adenocalyx (sparse trichomes).

Identification and determination of the inulin content in the roots of the Northeast Brazilian species Pombalia calceolaria L.

A polysaccharide was extracted from the roots of Pombalia calceolaria, a plant used in folk medicine in Northeastern Brazil, by decoction followed by precipitation with methanol, yielding a concentration of 13.0% w/w, and purification with acetone. The molar mass peak was estimated to be 4.

The ultrastructure of shelled and unshelled cashew nuts.

Cashew nuts have many attributes, including sensory, nutritional and health appeal, which contribute to their worldwide acceptance. We demonstrate details of the microstructure of shelled and unshelled cashew kernels with regard to pericarp and cotyledon organization. This study also provides evidence of the colonization of these kernels by filamentous fungi.