Anatomy of vegetative organs of Cattleya violacea (Kunth) Rolfe (Orchidaceae)

Considering that the vegetative structure of species of the Brazilian genus of Laeliinae subtribe is poorly known, the vegetative organs of Cattleya violacea are described here. Freehand sections of vegetative organs were obtained according to the usual techniques for plant anatomy. Pseudobulb and leaf present sclerified hypoderm and thick cuticle. Such features are adaptations to epiphytism and the necessity for water storage. Uniformity of anatomic features supports the morphoanatomic and molecular data for the subtribe Laeliinae (Epidendreae tribe). Anatomic and histochemical characters analyzed, such as undistinguished epivelame and endovelame and the presence of flavonoid crystals, present generic uniformity, which can serve as a tool for the delimitation of the subtribe representatives.