The morpho-anatomical characterization of fruits and seeds of Oenocarpus minor Mart. Ripe fruits were collected from several individuals, in dense forest disturbed in the municipality of Itacoatiara, State of Amazonas. Measurements of size and weight of the fruit and seed were taken as well as the humidity degree of the seed. The anatomical study was performed by the method of paraffin inclusion. An additional study of the mineral salts analysis of the fruit was also performed by the method of acid digestion. The fruit is sessile, one-seeded, varying from globular-ovoid to ellipsoid, with thin, coriaceous and glabrous epicarp, formed by an epidermis of cutinized cells and subepidermal region with tanniferous cells of different shapes. The mesocarp is fibro-fleshy and oleaginous, consisting of tanniferous idioblasts frequently grouped among parenchyma cells. Fibrovascular bundles are located between the mesocarp and the endocarp. Fibrous endocarp, delimited by the locule epidermis composed by only one layer of sclerified cells. Seed from globular to ellipsoid in shape, with thin tegument made of several layers of tanniferous cells; with solid and homogeneous endosperm, formed by long cells with thick walls. Capitate embryo. The analysis of the mineral components of the pulp presented 0.67mg/g Ca, 0.43mg/g Mg, 0.08mg/g Fe, 0.02mg/g Cu, 9.5µg/g Zn and 0.02mg/g Mn.
morphology; palm; Oenocarpus
