CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SEEDS AND REPRODUCTIVE ASPECTS OF Paullinia stellata Radlk

Abstract

Paullinia stellata is found in anthropogenic places and lowland forests, yet little information about their reproductive characteristics is known. This study aimed to determine the physical properties of seeds and the characteristics of their reproductive aspects. Racemes, fruits, and seeds were measured and weighed. The physical properties of the seeds were determined using three-dimensional data. A descriptive statistic was applied for racemes and fruits, and a statistic of small samples was conducted for the physical properties. The results showed low magnitude variations for variables analyzed in both parameters. The physical properties of the seeds are relatively moderate variations from low oscillations. Fruit maturity is detected by the opening of the endocarp exposing the seed, but it presents early and late fruit with asynchronous maturation. This study was conducted only on a single plant and observed asynchronous fruits within the same raceme.