ABSTRACT
Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. is a wild pineapple, commonly found in the savannas. This study aimed to describe the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of its seed. The observations were made in the longitudinal and transverse sections, using an optical microscope. The cell arrangement in the seed coat, ripples in the integument, the ratio of embryo size and endosperm amount, and the number of strata in the aleurone layer are anatomical characteristics that may contribute to distinguishing this species. The starch in the endosperm, lipids and proteins in the embryo, constitute the seed's main nutritional reserves. The homogeneous embryo and phenolic compounds present in the seed coat and in the aleurone layer possibly contribute to the dormancy in this species. This study presents information relevant to the taxonomy and physiology of A. ananassoides, which represents contributions to the global knowledge of this species with a high potential as ornamental.
Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. é um abacaxi silvestre, comumente encontrado nas savanas. Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a morfoanatomia e histoquímica de sua semente. As observações foram feitas nos cortes longitudinais e transversais, em microscópio óptico. O arranjo celular no tegumento, as ondulações no tegumento, a relação entre o tamanho do embrião e a quantidade de endosperma, e o número de estratos na camada de aleurona são características anatômicas que podem contribuir para a distinção dessa espécie. O amido do endosperma e os lipídios e proteínas do embrião constituem as principais reservas nutricionais da semente. O embrião homogêneo e os compostos fenólicos presentes no tegumento e na camada de aleurona possivelmente contribuem para a dormência nessa espécie. Este estudo apresenta informações relevantes para a taxonomia e fisiologia de A. ananassoides, sendo contribuições valiosas para o conhecimento global dessa espécie com alto potencial ornamental.
Subject(s)
Seeds , Integumentary System , Ananas/anatomy & histology , Embryonic StructuresABSTRACT
Ananas ananassoides (Baker) L.B.Sm. is a wild pineapple, commonly found in the savannas. This study aimed to describe the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of its seed. The observations were made in the longitudinal and transverse sections, using an optical microscope. The cell arrangement in the seed coat, ripples in the integument, the ratio of embryo size and endosperm amount, and the number of strata in the aleurone layer are anatomical characteristics that may contribute to distinguishing this species. The starch in the endosperm, lipids and proteins in the embryo, constitute the seed's main nutritional reserves. The homogeneous embryo and phenolic compounds present in the seed coat and in the aleurone layer possibly contribute to the dormancy in this species. This study presents information relevant to the taxonomy and physiology of A. ananassoides, which represents contributions to the global knowledge of this species with a high potential as ornamental.