Morphology and anatomy of the Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex I. M. Johnst diaspore (Boraginaceae)

Abstract

This study analyzed the morphology and anatomy of the Cordia trichotoma (Vell.) Arrab. ex I. M. Johnst diaspore. The objectives were: the structural analysis of the calyx and corolla that persisted in the ripe fruit and acted in the anemocoric dispersion process; the vascularization of the gynoecium for better understanding of the carpel/locule number of the ovary; nectary structure; and the anatomical analysis of the developmental pericarp and seed for better definition of the fruit type. The results showed that the perianth had aerenchyma and the ovary was 2- 4-locule forming endothelium and false septum. The fruit was drupoid nuculanium and the seed was exotestal.