Fruit and Flower Development Studies and Germination on Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum L.), a Biodiesel Plant

Abstract

Calophyllum inophyllum (nyamplung) is among tropical plants traditionally used by local residents as firewood, building material and medicinal plants. The aim of this research was to study flower and fruit development, seed germination and oil content of the seeds. Two adult trees were used as objects of observation. Observation of morphology and germination tests were carried out on the field, while the anatomical observations by microscopic preparations and oil content analysis using the soxhlet were carried out in the laboratory. The result showed that generative bud generally had 8-15 flowers. A cymose inflorescence with 4 petals, 4 sepals, single pistil and 4 clumps of stamen surrounded the pistil. In some cases, the flowers with 5 or 3 sepals and 3 clumps of stamen were also observed. Fruits were rounded, green and turned to harden with brownish color during maturation. Flower bud grown from bud was ready to blossom 27 days after initiation (DAI). There were up to 48.52% flower buds during flower development, and up to 64,5% flower drop during fruit development. Generally fruit drop rate in P2 higher than P1. During development flowers bloomed for 3 days, and 4 days after anthesis the flowers started to lose their part. The fruits have started ripening at 8-10 week after anthesis (WAA). Seeds from P2 tree had oil content of 51.79%, higher than the P1 tree (42.57%). The second tree seeds germinated quicker than that of the first tree, which shows the variation between the tree.