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Spatial distribution of structural elements in leaves of Ilex paraguariensis: physiological and ecological implications

Trees volume 34, pages 101–110 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

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Calcium accumulation in crystals (mainly in the midrib) and silicon on the external surface of the upper epidermis suggests physiological and/or ecological roles.

Abstract

Concentration, form, and location of elements in leaf tissue of Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. can influence remobilization patterns and release of substances during its infusion for making yerba mate beverages. Even though, spatial distribution of elements and characterization of crystal formation in I. paraguariensis has not been elucidated. For filling this gap, this study used microanalytical techniques to evaluate accumulation and spatial distribution of elements in yerba mate leaves, which was done using chemical analyses and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). Chemical analyses confirmed high concentrations of potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) in leaves. Cell walls were predominantly composed of carbon (C) and oxygen (O). Compartmentalization of silicon (Si) occurred on the external surface of the upper epidermis between cell walls and the leaf cuticle. Precipitation of calcium (Ca) was higher in the midrib than in the leaf blade with the mesophyll and palisade mesophyll being the main accumulation sites. Microscopy–spectroscopy analysis revealed different patterns of elemental accumulation in leaves, which suggests physiological and/or ecological roles in yerba mate plants. Additionally, the abundance of Ca oxalates could explain the low Ca solubility during the beverage infusion process.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Anne Luize Sass by the collection of yerba mate leaves, the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), the Fundação Araucária de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Estado do Paraná (FA) and Center of Electronic Microscopy of the Federal University of Paraná (CME-UFPR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agronomy, Ingá University Center (Uningá), Highway PR 317, 6114-Industrial Park 200, Maringá, PR, 87035-510, Brazil

    Julierme Zimmer Barbosa

  2. Department of Soils and Agricultural Engineering, Federal University of Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil

    Antonio Carlos Vargas Motta

  3. Biosystems Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Tupã, SP, Brazil

    André Rodrigues dos Reis

  4. University of Brasília, PPGCA/FUP, Distrito Federal, Brazil

    Rodrigo Studart Corrêa

  5. National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Auburn, AL, USA

    Stephen A. Prior

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  1. Julierme Zimmer Barbosa
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Correspondence to Julierme Zimmer Barbosa.

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Barbosa, J.Z., Motta, A.C.V., dos Reis, A.R. et al. Spatial distribution of structural elements in leaves of Ilex paraguariensis: physiological and ecological implications. Trees 34, 101–110 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-019-01900-y

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Keywords

  • South American flora
  • Elemental accumulation
  • X-ray microanalysis
  • Calcium regulation
  • Amorphous silica
  • Herbal tea