Dynamic growth of seeds and capsules of Bauhinia variegata

Abstract

Many species of Bauhinia genus have importance as forage and ornamental plants. The aim of this work was to determine the dynamics of the growth of capsules and seeds of Bauhinia variegata. For that, the humidity percentage in capsules and seeds was calculated. The water loss in seeds and capsules of Bauhinia variegata through its growth showed a similar trend. The seed growth expressed as dry weight presents the typical sigmoid curve of increasing during the seed formation. In the maturity a decreasing of dry weight is observed. It can be interpreted as the stop in the photo assimilated production by chlorophyll loss. Also, the water diminution in the capsule tissues would contribute to accelerate the breathing and the dry matter loss as a consequence.