The objective of this work was to characterize the external morphology of the fruit, seeds, germination process and seedlings of Jatropha curcas. The fruits and seeds had the following characteristics evaluated: size, type, color, texture, dehiscence and number of seeds, presence of caruncle, form of the embryo and presence of the endosperm. To study the post-seminal development and differentiation of seedlings, seeds were placed to germinate in the MS (Murashige & Skoog) culture medium. The fruit of Jatropha curcas is of dry, dehiscent capsular type, generally presenting three seeds and woody endocarp. The seed is oval, endospermic, with smooth coat and the presence of caruncle. The embryo is composed of a pair of cotyledons and the hypocotylradicle axis is cylindrical and straight, with epigeal germination.
life cycle; germination; morphology; reproduction
