[Reproductive structures of Piper amalago var. medium Linnaeus (Piperaceae)].

Abstract

Flowers, fruits, seeds and subterranean organ of Piper amalago var. medium Linnaeus were analyzed structurally. Flowers are hermaphrodite lacking perianth, with two stamens and a tricarpelate gynoecea. Tetrasporangiate anthers shows epidermis, endothecium, one or two middle layers and secretory tapetum. Ovary has a simple structure, with ventral meristem. There is one orthotropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate ovule. Fruits are drupes. Seeds are endotegmic with copious perisperm. Putamen is composed of a sclerified inner mesocarp and endocarp. Individuals of the species can be interlinked by radicular subterranean organ, that can spread vegetatively.