Aluminum influence on Hancornia speciosa seedling emergence, nutrient accumulation, growth and root anatomy

•Exogenous Al applications impair germination processes.•Aluminum stimulates root growth of Hancornia speciosa in low doses.•H. speciosa accumulates phenolic compounds and starch in response to Al.

Aluminum (Al) exposure effects on Hancornia speciosa Gomes were investigated via culture in a nutrient solution containing 0 (control), 300 and 600 μmol Al L−1. Seedling emergence, nutrient accumulation, growth and root anatomy were evaluated. Seedling emergence, emergence speed index and root diameter under hydroponic cultivation were significantly reduced in the Al treatments, while Al promoted root growth at the lowest concentration. Al also altered macronutrient translocation in the analyzed plant organs, particularly stem and leaves. This indicates that H. speciosa seeds display sensitivity to Al3+, with negative effects on seedling emergence. The presence of Al in the cell walls and chloroplasts and/or the accumulation of phenolic compounds and starch represent a set of mechanisms that may possibly play a role in plant Al detoxification, allowing H. speciosa to survive in the presence of high concentrations of this cation.