Leaf, fruit and seed anatomic of Cupania vernalis (Sapindaceae), important species in frugivory

Abstract

Cupania vernalis Cambess ?ramo?, is a tree of 6-15 meters high. It has persistent foliage, and dark-purple seeds, which orange cupola-shaped, pulpy aril exhibit high food-value. It is found in the phytogeographic Province of La Yunga between 700 and 1.200 m s.n.m. This species has medicinal, nutritional and timber-tree proprieties. In this work leaf, fruit and seed anatomy were analyzed. Fresh material was fixed in FAA. Conventional histological techniques were used. The venation is craspedodromous. We found two types of stomata: anomocytic and actinocytic, single and glandular hairs, prismatic calcium oxalate crystals and druses. Fruit and seed anatomy were described. Fruit-is a pubescent, 3-locular capsule, with pluristrate epicarp, mesocarp and endocarp. Seed glabrous, endosperm with starch and soap. Embryo placed in a lateral position. Aril formed by parenchymatic tissue with starch, soap-and lipid..We can conclude that the leaf features have diagnostic value and they can be used to identify these species.