This work describes the fruits and seeds of species of the genus Schultesia Mart. with 21 taxons and the monotypic Xestaea Griseb. Seed coat morphology was investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We searched for characters that would help to separate the genera and species, and these contributed to the discussion on taxa delimitation. Some of the characters have taxonomic value. The fruits of both genera are septicidal bivalvar capsules with a persistent calyx and numerous seeds. Form and consistency of the funiculus, as well as the seed coat surface, allowed us to establish groups, thus helping in species identification. The grooved pattern of the periclinal walls of Xestaea seeds is distinct from that of Schultesia seeds, which agrees with morphological and molecular studies that led to the recent reestablishment of Xestaea. Descriptions and illustrations complete this work.
Schultesia; Xestaea; fruits; seeds; Gentianaceae
