Pericarp ontogeny of Tapirira guianensis Aubl. (Anacardiaceae) reveals a secretory endocarp in young stage

Abstract

Most species of Anacardiaceae have drupes containing secretory structures.. Th e substances produced by these structures may have importance to industry and folk medicine, and may even cause allergenic eff ects. Th is work describes the ontogeny of pericarp of Tapirira guianensis with an emphasis on the secretory structures present at diff erent stages of development. Ovary and fruits in various stages of development were collected, fi xed and processed for studies using light and scanning electron microscopy according to conventional techniques. Histochemical tests were employed to identify the major metabolites present in the tissues. Th e fruit is a drupe formed by exocarp, mesocarp containing secretory ducts and idioblasts, and endocarp with some lignifi ed layers. Fruit growth occurs through the division and elongation of cells. Th e secretory ducts produce mainly phenols and lipids and are active during all stages of development. Th e secreted substances protect the fruit against pathogens and predators. In ripe fruits the cells of the mesocarp accumulate starch. Th is study is the fi rst report of the presence of a secretory endocarp in young fruits of a species of Anacardiaceae. Th e substances produced by the endocarp in early developmental stages may play an important role in seed dispersal and germination.

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“…This characteristic is very conspicuous in the mesocarp of drupes of the Anacardiceae family i.e. [46][47][48][49][50][51][52] , also referred to as lacunar mesocarp 44 .…”