Fruit and Seed Morphological Characteristics of Selected Forest Tree Species of Family <i>Anacardiaceae</i> of Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, India

Nandita; A. K. Negi

doi:10.36808/if/2025/v151i9/170759

Fruit and Seed Morphological Characteristics of Selected Forest Tree Species of Family Anacardiaceae of Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, India

Authors

Nandita Department of Forestry and Natural Resources; H.N.B. Garhwal University, (A Central University) Srinagar Garhwal Uttarakhand
A. K. Negi Department of Forestry and Natural Resources; H.N.B. Garhwal University, (A Central University) Srinagar Garhwal Uttarakhand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36808/if/2025/v151i9/170759

Keywords:

Fruit morphology, Seed morphology, Moisture content, Kotdwar region.

Abstract

This study investigates fruit and seed morphology variations among five Anacardiaceae species: Spondias pinnata, Semecarpus anacardium, Buchanania lanzan, Lannea coromandelica, and Pistachia khinjuk, to understand their ecological adaptations. Fruit traits examined include weight, length, width, pulp weight, and moisture content, while seed traits encompass weight, length, width, moisture, and 1000-seed test values. Spondias pinnata produced the largest fruit (208.14 g, pulp 119.34 g, moisture 72.46%), whereas Pistachia khinjuk had the smallest (2.27 g, pulp 0.53 g). For seeds, Spondias pinnata had the heaviest (88.71 g for 10 seeds) and highest 1000-seed value (8292.94), while Pistachia khinjuk had the lightest (1.02 g for 25 seeds) and lowest test value (43.21). Seed moisture content ranged from 41.17% (Lannea coromandelica) to 61.66% (Spondias pinnata). These variations reflect different ecological strategies and reproductive adaptations, highlighting the potential for these species in agroforestry, conservation, and restoration efforts. The findings emphasize the importance of conserving these species for ecosystem health and their application in horticulture. Further research should explore genetic and environmental influences on these traits.

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