Does leaf anatomy aid in species identification of (Arecaceae)?

is a neotropical genus whose identification is based mostly on characters from external morphology, which are sometimes variable or inadequate for species differentiation. We aimed to verify if leaf anatomy of 18 species brings new characters suitable for species identification and if it corroborates the phylogenetic relationship within the genus. Moreover, we propose an anatomical key to assist in species identification.

Butia capitata (Mart.) Becc. lamina anatomy as a tool for taxonomic distinction from B. odorata (Barb. Rodr.) Noblick comb. nov (Arecaceae).

The distinction between Butia capitata and B. odorata is based only on a few morphological characteristics, therefore there is a need for additional studies for supporting the separation of the species. As lamina anatomy characteristics are relevant in circumscribing Arecaceae taxa, this work aimed to describe B.