Anatomy of the pericarp and seed-coat of Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) with taxonomic notes

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to record anatomical data for the fruit and seed of Lithraea molleoides (Vell.) Engl, and compare the results with those for L. brasiliensis and the genera Schinus and Rhus. The L. molleoides fruit was a drupe with a friable and lignified exocarp. The mesocarp was parenchymatous with large secretory canals associated with vascular bundles. The endocarp consisted of four layers: an outer layer of polyhedral cells with prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate, and three inner layers of sclereids in a palisade arrangement. The ovule was anatropous, unitegmic, and crassinucelate. In the chalazal region, a cup-like zone of tanniniferous parenchymal cells formed the hypostase. The developing seed had a circinotropous-like shape, that originated through curvature of the long, coarse funicle that surrounded the tegument and embryo sac. The ripe seed was endotestal with bar-like thickenings or pittings in the cell walls.