Term:
Columella (pl. = columellae)
Columella (pl. = columellae)
Definition:
A woody outgrowth that descends into the fruit from the interior, middle of the operculum.
A woody outgrowth that descends into the fruit from the interior, middle of the operculum.
Notes:
The columella develops from the upper septum of the septa. The longest, tack-shaped septa are found in species of Allantoma, Cariniana, Couratari and columellas are absent in the indehiscent-fruited genera (e.g., Grias, Gustavia, and Couroupita), and present but not well-developed in most species of other genera.
The columella develops from the upper septum of the septa. The longest, tack-shaped septa are found in species of Allantoma, Cariniana, Couratari and columellas are absent in the indehiscent-fruited genera (e.g., Grias, Gustavia, and Couroupita), and present but not well-developed in most species of other genera.