Seedling morphology was studied in Campa guianensis Aubl. and Carapa procera D. C. from germination to 90 days age. In both species germination is hypogeal and cryptocotylar. Both have rare albino seedlings. Though both species have compound leaves when adult, C, procera puts out an average total of six simple leaves at germination, while leaves of C. guianensis are compound at all stages. This is the best diagnostic character for separation of the two species at the young seedling stage. Not diagnostic, but none the less useful, is the fact, that polyembryonic seeds are often found in C. procera, but not observed in C guianensis.
Carapa guianensis Aubl; Carapa procera D. C.; seedling morphology; germination; polyembryony