Genus Sarcostigma Wight & Arn.

Fig. 33.19–33.32

Description

FRUIT. Elliptical, slightly asymmetrical or symmetrical, laterally compressed, red-black when mature. Epicarp puberulent, with simple hairs with granular ornamentation or uncinate hairs, occasionally shriveled when dry. Calyx persistent.

ENDOCARP. Cream, elliptical in lateral view, lenticular to globose in transversal view. Keel or channel surrounding the endocarp in the plane of symmetry. Apex asymmetrical in lateral view, with a pair of subapical pores with a central pit; base symmetrical. Outer surface of the endocarp rugose, irregular, almost smooth. Vasculature of the endocarp free. Primary vascular bundle outside the endocarp wall or in a channel on the keel. Endocarp wall with at least one layer with row(s) of periclinally oriented cells and another with rows of anticlinally oriented cells. Locule surface covered by rounded and regularly spaced papillae. Locule lacunate.

Key to the genus Sarcostigma

1. Endocarp globose in transverse section, ca 13 mm in width, endocarp primary vascular bundle positioned outside the endocarp wall .................................................................. S. paniculata Pierre

– Endocarp lenticular in transverse section, ca 16 mm in width, endocarp primary vascular bundle lying in a channel ............................................................................................ S. klenii Wight & Arn.