Bertholletia excelsa (Image keywords)

Placentation of Bertholletia excelsa as shown in longitudinal sections based on Freitas 511 from Amazonas, Brazil. A. Section through the wall of a locule showing the ovules. B. Close-up of A. C. Locule after the ovlues have been removed. D. Medial section of a bud showing the locules at the apex of the septum. E. Close-up of D. F. Close-up of a locule on the left side of section G. Note the extruded inner integument of the ovule. G. Section showing the two locules plus a chamber of unknown function. H. Close-up of the locule on the right side of section G.

Placentation of Bertholletia excelsa as shown in cross-section  based on Freitas 511 from Amazonas, Brazil. A. Looking from the base toward the apex of the ovary. Note that ovules are attached above this point. B. Looking from the apex toward the base of the ovary. The round cap in the center was lifted without tearing it away from other tissue to reveal the view seen in the next image. C. View same as in B. Note this view shows the top of the placenta and the uppermost ovules attached to it. D. Close-up of C. Note the broadly triangular shape of the placentae which arise at the ends of the septa. E. An apical view of the very base of the locules, i.e., of an ovule-free area below the placentae. The locule number of four is relatively consistent in this species.

Fig. 45 from Fl. Neotrop. Monogr. 21(II). 1990. A. Habit, note how the petals are tightly pressed against  the androecium. B. Medial longitudinal section of  an androecium, note how the hood appendages are swept inwards but do not form a complete coil. C. Cross section of an ovary. D. Ovary and calyx, note the 2-parted calyx, sessile ovary, and long, geniculate style. E. Fruit, note that the opercular opening is smaller in diameter than the size of the seeds. F. Seed. G. Seedling.

Remnant Brazil nut trees (Bertholletia excelsa) based on unvouchered trees from Mato Grosso, Brazil. Deforestation is the major threat to the survival of this species.