Biometric description of fruits and seeds, germination and imbibition pattern of desert rose [Adenium obesum (Forssk.), Roem. & Schult.]

Abstract

This study has aimed to carry out the description of fruits and seeds and germination process of desert rose, from two years of observations. The fruits and seeds were characterized based on length, diameter and number of seeds per fruit. The seeds internal structure and germinating process were also described. Germination test was performed at 25 and 30 °C temperatures, determining the germination percentage and germination speed index. Seeds harvested in 2013 were stored for 12 months and submitted to a new germination test. Parallel to these tests, the seeds imbibition curve was determined in substrates over and between sheets of paper at 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C temperatures. The fruits and seeds had similar lengths and diameters in both years of observations. The seeds can be stored for up to 12 months without loss in viability and temperatures of 25 and 30 °C are suitable for performing the germination test of this species. The water absorption curve of desert rose seeds follows a triphasic pattern of soaking.