Diaspore diversity in the anemochorousGouanieae (Rhamnaceae)

Fruits and seeds of four anemochorous taxa ofRhamnaceae-Gouanieae were studied by SEM. Flight performance of diaspores of three genera was analyzed. Diverging postfloral morphogeneses lead to different fruit and diaspore types: (1) a solid schizocarp dehiscing into three 2-winged mericarps (Gouania, Crumenaria), (2) an inflated schizocarp dehiscing into three inflated mericarps (Reissekia), and (3) a hollow septicide capsule which releases three winged hemimericarps (Alvimiantha). The latter convey significantly heavier seeds thanGouania andReissekia at comparable fall rates. The generic status ofAlvimiantha is confirmed. The Neotropics are pointed out as being a site of strong adaptive radiation for the tribeGouanieae.