Aspectos morfométricos de frutos e morfológicos de plântulas de Vitex montevidensis Cham.

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize morphometrically tarumã fruits (Vitex montevidensis Cham.) during the maturation process. Six weekly samplings were collected during February and March 2008, according to changes in the maturation stage. Morphological parameters for fruits included type, dehiscence, form, color, texture and pericarp consistency, while for seeds were type, color, dimensions, texture, form, structures and embryo characteristics. The morphological description of seedlings was done with a table magnifying glass and a caliper. The examination indicated that the fruit can be described as polypyrenous, indehiscent, spheroid or ovoid, fleshy, and having colors varying according to maturation stages. The pyrenes are ovoid with four loculi with only one bearing a seed. The seed coat is beige having a papyraceae consistency when dry or membranaceae when hydrated. The hilum is heterochromic, showing a dark brown color.