Genus Stachyanthus Engl.

Fig. 34

Description

FRUIT. Elliptical, acute-acuminate at the apex, laterally compressed, yellow or blue when mature. Epicarp strigose to pubescent, with simple hairs with granular ornamentation and / or uncinate hairs, rugose-ridged or smooth when dry. Calyx persistent.

ENDOCARP. Cream to brown, elliptical in lateral view, lenticular in transverse section. Keel surrounding the endocarp in the plane of symmetry. Apex asymmetrical; base symmetrical. Outer surface of the endocarp pitted and ridged. Pits more or less circular, associated with bullate tubercles. Ridges forming a diffuse pattern, faintly apparent. Vasculature of the endocarp free. Primary vascular bundle positioned outside the endocarp wall. Endocarp wall with at least one layer with rows of periclinally oriented cells. Locule surface smooth and lacunate.

Fig. 34. (see full caption on page 106)

Key to the genus Stachyanthus

1. Endocarp ca 22 mm in length, ridges sharp ............................................................... S. zenkeri Engl.

– Endocarp ± 17 mm in length, ridges rounded ................................................................................... 2

2. Endocarp length ca 17 mm, pits per face 150–160 ............................ S. donisii (Boutique) Boutique

– Endocarp length ca 11 mm, pits more than 180 ............ S. occidentalis (Keay & É.Miège) Boutique