Floral and fruit morphology of some species in Garcinia spp.

Abstract

Morphological studies of reproductive parts of some species in Garcinia revealed some differences and similarities. Flowers of these species are composed of both male and female flowers. Female flowers aresolitary and occur in single or occasionally in clusters (2-10 flowers) developed at the terminal buds of young branches in case of mangosteen, but both terminal buds and axillary buds were found in the other species.Primary parts of the flowers in this genus comprised four sepals and four petals which were different in size and color. Many stamens, both filamentous and sessile anthers, are observed in both male and femaleflowers in different location. The number of anthers varied among the species ranging from 20 to 40 sets in phawa and approximately 135 sets in somkhag. The colors of fruits are species specific ranging from yellow(somkhag and ma-phut) to red (phawa) or deep purple (mangosteen) and different in size, shape, rind characters and flavor. Three of six species produce no seed to few seeds (1-2). Viability of pollens ranges from 100% (cha-muang, phawa and ma-dun) to 0% (mapood).

Keywords

• Garcinia
• floral morphology
• mangosteen
• somkhag
• phawa