According to the presence of crystalline cells in the axial parenchyma of Tauari ( Cariniana integrifolia Ducke, Lecythidaceae), it was sought to characterize the type and configuration of these cells in relation to some standards referred to other taxons of the family. Observations carried out at transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of normal transverse walls separating the crystalline units. In this sense, the structural configuration of this character showed some taxonomic significance besides diagnostic value. On the basis of these observations, the terminology of crystalline cells (stricto sensu) is discussed.
