Caracterização morfológica de fruto, semente e plântula de Psidium rufum DC. (Myrtaceae)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to describe and illustrate the morphology of fruits, seeds and seedlings of Psidium rufum DC. in order to assist diff erent disciplines, such as taxonomy and forestry. The species is a fruit that is not cultivated, but has great ecological potential. For structure characterization and germination stage descriptions, 100 units of random fruits and seeds of Curitiba and Ponta Grossa, Parana were used. P. rufum fruit is smooth, shiny, hairless, with a red-purple color when ripe, so globosa, fl eshy and indehiscent type bacoide. The seeds are campylotropous, reniform, with smooth, opaque and stony seed coat, and presented a possible endospermatic tissue and linseed in cream coloring. The embryo is of the pimentoide type and germination is epigeous phanerocotyledonal, starting on day 15 and extending to day 37. The morphological characteristics presented are useful in helping identify P. rufum.