Abstract

LEYTHON, Sirli. Morphological study of seeds of the genus Calliandra Benth. (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae) of Venezuela. Acta Bot. Venez. [online]. 2010, vol.33, n.1, pp.41-65. ISSN 0084-5906.

A characterization of the morphology of 18 species and seven varieties of the genus Calliandra from Venezuela was carried out in order to establish similarities and differences that could be used as taxonomic characters. The material was processed for study under the stereoscope microscope. The presence or absence of pleurogram as well as shape, size and color of the seed were found to be of the greatest taxonomic value. The seeds of each species are described and illustrated and a key for the identification of species using seed characters is presented.

Keywords : Calliandra; Mimosoideae; morphology; seed; Venezuela.