Morphometry of fruits and morphology of seedlings of Vitex montevidensis Cham.

Abstract

The study aimed to characterize fruits and seeds of Vitex montevidensis Cham during maturation. Fruits were harvested weekly according to maturation stage. Fruit morphological parameters included type, dehiscence, form, color, texture and pericarp consistency. Seed morphological parameters were type, color, dimensions, texture, form, structures and embryo characteristics. Results indicated that V. montevidensis fruit is nuculanio, indehiscent, globoso or ovoid, fleshy and with color varying according to maturation stages. The pyrenes are ovoids with four loculus with only one bearing a seed. The seed coat is beige with a papyraceae consistency when dry or membranaceae when hydrated. The hilum is heterochrom showing a dark brown color.