Histochemical analysis of stem and fiber of ramie ( Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaud var. Murakami)

Analyzes of samples of stem and fiber Boehmeria nivea var. Murakami were performed to increase information on the plant and disseminate its multiple possibilities of use. The histochemical analyzes with dyes and reagents showed the presence of lignified, suberous and cutinized cell walls with Safranin in the xylem region. The presence of pectin-cellulose with Astra Blue was confirmed in the regions of fiber bundles (cortex). In all regions of the stem were identified substances such as fat and mucilage with Methylene Blue evidencing high concentrations in the regions of fiber bundles and bark (violet blue). By means of Lugol (dark brown) starches were identified in several parts of the stem with concentrations in the xylem and epidermal regions. Through analyzes by EDS it was possible to identify F, Mg, Al, Si, K and Ca with predominance of K. In the chemical analyzes of the fibers were found 71.75 of cellulose, 12.11 of hemicelluloses, 1.06 of lignin and 1.70% of ashes. The percentages of extractives soluble in hot and cold water were 5.28 and 3.12% respectively, for Ethanol-Toluene was 8.55 and NaOH (1%) 27.27%. Histochemical analyzes revealed important characteristics of the fiber and stem contributing with better knowledge of the species.