DESCRIÇÃO MORFOLÓGICA DE FRUTOS E SEMENTES DE MARMELINHO-DO-CAMPO-ALIBERTIA SESSILIS SCHUM. - (RUBIACEAE)

Abstract

The objective was to study the morphology of the fruits and seeds of marmelinho-do-campo. The botanical characteristics were descripted and the dimensions of the fruits and seeds were obtained. For the description of the embryo, the seeds were kept immersed in distillated water for 24 hours at room temperature. The fruits of this species are indehiscent, globulous and berry-shaped. They have a fleshy mesocarp and contain a large number of seeds. The seeds show an irregular shape, but their majority is angular with triangle-deltoid sides. Their color ranges from yellowgreen to light brown. The embryo is axial, continuous and spatulate. It has short, white, foliaceous and circular cotyledons showing discrete nervures. The seeds have abundant endosperm of rigid consistency.