Morpho-anatomical characterization of diaspores and seedlings of Livistona rotundifolia

Livistona rotundifolia (Lam.) Mart. (Arecaceae) is an ornamentally important species used for landscaping and commonly grown as a potted plant. However, seedling production is hindered by the lack of information available about the species germination process and it could be subsidized by seed and seedling anatomical and morphological studies. Therefore, this study aimed at describing L. rotundifolia diaspore morphology in addition to seedling morphology and anatomy. Germination is tubular remote and begins with the opening of a circular operculum in the fruit endocarp through which the cotyledonary petiole is emitted. The endosperm is consumed as cotyledonary petiole grows. Eophyll is covered by two leaf sheaths and the first L. rotundifolia leaves are simple and lanceolate, with longitudinal and parallel veins. The developing cotyledonary petiole presents root hairs and a typical stem structure. The cotyledonary petiole/root transition region shows secondary root emission, parenchyma cells, and groups of fiber bundles. Roots present a well-defined cortex with polyarc vascular cylinder. Cortex and vascular cylinder are not well-differentiated in the root apex. The results of this study will contribute to the overall biology of L. rotundifolia, as well as to seedling production and species identification, subsidizing regeneration and conservation studies.