LEAF MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS OF SPECIES OF Baccharis (COMPOSITAE) TOXIC FOR CATTLE, FROM SAUCE CORTO CREEK (CORONEL SUÁREZ COUNTY, BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE)

Abstract

The Genus Baccharis, as represented in certain communities of the Frovince of Buenos Aires, shows five species a done variety, all higWy toxic for cattle. Tberefore, an approach to the systematics of these taxa through non·conventional morphological characters, such as leaf epidermis, was considered to be' pertinent if diagnoses on causes of animal mortality \Vere to be performed by means of feces ami stornach contents. Accordingly, this approach has led to formlllate cell types based on contollr, size and length/width ratios of ¡eaf (epidermic) cells, plus hairs and stomata. The five species couJd thus be correctly identified, whereas the variety was only determined to its Ilearest specific level.