Análise morfométrica e morfologica do frutos e sementes de Campomanesia aromatica (Aubl) Griseb. (MYRTACEAE)

Abstract

The Myrtaceae family is one of the families richest in species in Brazilian restingas. However, studies on it are scarce, more specifically on the species Campomanesia aromatica (Aubl.) Griseb, popularly known as guabiraba, guabiraba-de-rama, guabiroba or candeia-brava, is common in the Cerrado and has many benefits, such as feeding many birds, as it has fleshy fruits and seeds with a light brown color characterized by being round and flat. The objective of this study aimed to detail the morphobiometrics of the fruits and seeds of the species Campomanesia aromatica (Aubl.) Griseb, quantifying the biometric parameters and describing in detail the morphological structures of the seeds and fruits. In this study, gaubiraba fruits were randomly collected at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of UESPI (03°01’13.20W 041°46’19.30S) from September to December 2023. The fruits were processed, excluding defective ones, and the seeds were extracted. The morphobiometrics of the fruits and seeds were examined in 800 random samples, including characteristics such as color, dimensions, and texture. The results showed that the fruits were subglobose, smooth, with a green epicarp when immature and purple when ripe. The seeds were small, light brown, and round in shape. The biometric data of the fruits revealed that the average longitudinal diameter was 11.04 mm and the average transverse diameter was 11.05 mm, with an average fresh mass of 1.020 g. The seeds had an average longitudinal diameter of 1.82 mm, an average transverse diameter of 4.77 mm and an average fresh mass of 0.036 g. The analysis of the seed mass showed great variability. The fruits of Campomanesia aromatica (Aubl.) Griseb present morphological characteristics typical of the genus. The longitudinal diameter of the seeds, in contrast to the fruits, presented a smaller variation in diameter. Therefore, the data presented in this study contribute significantly to the understanding of the morphological characteristics, biometry of Campomanesia aromatica (Aubl.) Griseb. Given the importance of guabiraba in food production, in the production of essential oils, also important in reforestation, the results of this study have substantial practical implications that benefit the scientific community and society in general.