Taxonomic and morphological aspects of the germination and seedling of Peltogyne venosa subsp. densiflora (Spruce ex Benth.) M.F. Silva (Leguminosae – Caesalpinioideae)

Abstract

Peltogyne venosa subsp. densiflora (Spruce ex Benth.) M.F. Silva, from the Amazon region and known popularly as purpleheart, supplies wood of excellent quality, mainly for construction and carpentry. This study aimed to describe the reproductive structures, the germination and seedling morphology of this subspecies, and present unpublished illustrations and to support its recognition in the natural formations and its management. Collecting areas: Caquajó stream and plot of the Research Program in Biodiversity (PPBio) in Portel. In Melgaço, the area of the Ferreira Penna Research Station (ECFPn) and Curuá river. The study was conducted in laboratory and nursery conditions. The taxonomic identification of the subspecies was mainly based in literature. Representative specimens were deposited in the herbarium ‘João Murça Pires’ (MG), the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi. The subspecies presents the inflorescence in terminal or subterminal panicles; bracteoles oval or orbicular, rigid and concaves; flower with four sepals, five petals and ten stamens; fruit dry, indehiscent and monospermic; and seeds broadly obovate, with hilum terminal. The germination is epigeal and phanerocotylar. At thirty-five days, the seedling was fully developed.