Morphological and anatomical characterization of fruits and seed germination of biriba (Eschweilera ovata)

Abstract

The Eschweilera ovate (Cambess. Mart. ex Miers.), tree species found more frequently in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Bahia. Its stem is used to make musical instrument. For promote the conservation of the species in their natural environment, this study aims to characterize the morphological and anatomical aspects of the fruits and seeds during the germination process. In some fragments of Atlantic Forest, located in Salvador, Bahia, were collected fruit to make biometric measurements. A sample of 60 seeds were germinated under laboratory conditions. To obtain the anatomical sections, every five days six seed samples were removed and placed in 70% ethanol. This procedure was repeated until completing 35 days after sowing. After each collection, the seeds were dehydrated and conducted anatomical cuts and colored sections. Were found two seed coat coloration patterns: yellow, dark, indicating that this variation in color would be related to the stage of seed maturation. The emission radicle after five days of sowing and at 35 days the expansion of the leaf blade was found. Thus, the morphological and anatomical aspects observed for this species, as the presence of aryl and starch in the whole seed extension, the type cryptocotylar germination and macropodial embryo, are adaptive strategies for the initial establishment of the species.