Organization of the inflorescence and flower of myrianthus arboreus (p. beauv) in five localities of Côte d’Ivoire

Edible wild species such as Myrianthus arboreus represent one of the main sources of supply for human food in rural areas. However, the harmful effects of climate change, the low rate of regeneration coupled with the abusive exploitation of Myrianthus arboreus lead to its increasingly difficult supply. This study aims to understand the structure of the inflorescence and flower of Myrianthus arboreus with a view to genetic improvement. The inflorescences and the female flower were observed directly in the field. As for the male flower, it was carefully observed in the laboratory with a microscope. In Myrianthus arboreus, on a tree, only one type of inflorescence was observed : the male inflorescence or the female inflorescence. However, of the 150 individuals evaluated, individuals (10.66 %) showed the coexistence of both types of organ. The male inflorescence bears numerous tiny flowers, invisible to the naked eye. Each flower bears four sepals and four petals combined, thus forming the tepals on which four stamens are inserted with the anthers at the top. The female inflorescence is a globose flower head which bears numerous quarters, each corresponding to a flower. This capitulum when mature bears stigmata which appear outside the areas and are receptive. Based on this study, in Myrianthus arboreus, in addition to dioecious individuals, there are monoecious individuals.