Abstract
Considering the important, but sparse, data available concerning the seed morphology of Acanthaceae and its species-rich genus Ruellia, we analyzed the diaspores of five Ruellia species from the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest using stereomicroscopy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The seeds were characterized as discoid, 1.2–5.2 mm in diameter, having a seed coat with hygroscopic-mucilaginous trichomes, these generally with annular secondary wall thickenings. R. blechum shows a unique seed morphology for the genus, as was already likewise established for its pollen grains. Seed morphology allied to fruit morphology could aid in characterizing the infrageneric clades of that genus, although future studies must include larger numbers of taxa. The morphology observed, allied to relief, fluvial and climatic aspects of the study area, highlight the roles of secondary hydrochory and epizoochory in seed dispersal within the genus, which is supported by the presence of mucilaginous trichomes.
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