Taxonomic delimitation of Ceiba chodatii and C. speciosa (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) in different phenological stages.

Abstract

Taxonomic delimitation of Ceiba chodatii and C. speciosa (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) in different phenological stages. Three species of Ceiba (Malvaceae, Bombacoideae) are cited for Argentina: C. chodatii, C. speciosa and C. pubiflora, differentiated by a few characters. The first two species are clearly distinguished in flowering stage, being difficult to identify them in other stages. The objective of this investigation is to check comparatively C. chodatii and C. speciosa in the search of greater characters that contribute to its delimitation. Native specimens of C. chodatii were studied in the Selva pedemontana and in Chaco serrano, also of C. speciosa cultivated in Salta and from herbaria. The vegetative and reproductive characters were studied with binocular loupe and MEB. A germination and seedling development test was carried out. The results show that the leafs from seedling to adult are differentiated in nerves and serrated of the margin. The differential characters in flower are: the size of the lobes in the staminodium column and the pubescence, the size of the anthers and collar, the total or partial union of the filaments, the shape, size and pubescence of the stigma and the type of basal pubescence of style. The fruits are differentiated by the thickness of the valves and the seeds by pubescence.