Apodytes dimidiata Arn.

Apodytes dimidiata E.Mey. ex Arn.

Fig. 35.1–35.9

Material examined

Specimen used for endocarp and fruit description

MADAGASCAR • 1997; R. Ranaivojaona et al. 114; P [MNHN-P-P05279728].

Other material

MADAGASCAR • 1992; S.T. Malcomber et al. 1212; P [MNHN-P-P00379386] • 1933; H. Perrier de la Bâthie 19254; P [MNHN-P-P00440680] • 2009; M.Y. Ammann, M.C. Madiomanana & A.J. Tahinarivo MYA495; P [MNHN-P-P05279690].

KENYA • 2000; G. Simon, L. Festo & G. Massawe 527; P [MNHN-P-P04499342].

Description

FRUIT. Black when dry, laterally compressed and elongate dorsally. Ventrally truncate, with a fleshy appendage (red but black in dry condition) attached at the truncate part. Epicarp glabrous, shriveled when dry, revealing the underlying endocarp ridges. Mesocarp ca 80–100 µm thick when dry. Calyx persistent. Length ca 6 mm, width ca 10 mm, thickness ca 3 mm.

ENDOCARP. Brown, bilaterally symmetrical, unilocular, single-seeded, globose-truncate in lateral view, length ca 5.5 mm, width ca 7.6 mm. Outer surface of the endocarp ridged with rounded diffuse and thin ridges, with ca 10 lateral ridges. Vasculature of the endocarp free; primary vascular bundle positioned outside the endocarp wall. Endocarp wall 177–266 µm thick (excluding ridges). A sclerotic mass, ca 1.3 mm thick, is developed from the wall in the truncate part of the endocarp. Endocarp wall with sclerotic cells, with two cell layers: outermost layer with 4–7 rows of anticlinally oriented cells, cells 29–86 µm in length; innermost layer with one row of periclinally oriented cells, cells 13.0– 16.5 µm in width, lining the locule surface, forming ripples (the cells have a triangular shape).

Remarks

The sclerotic mass in the truncate part could be a mechanical reinforcement due to the connection of this part with the fleshy appendage.