Plant Diversity ›› 2013, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (3): 265-272.DOI: 10.7677/ynzwyj201313065

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Studies on Seed Morphology of Cyananthus (Campanulaceae) and Its Taxonomical Significance

 ZHOU  Zhuo-1、2, CHEN  Guang-Fu-1、3, ZHANG  Jian-Wen-1, NIU  Yiang-1, LI  Zhi-Min-3, SUN  Hang-1   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Biodiversity and Biogeography, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences,
    Kunming 650201, China; 2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China;
    3 Life Science School, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming 650092, China
  • Received:2013-03-26 Online:2013-05-25 Published:2013-04-15
  • Supported by:

    科技部科技基础性工作专项重点项目 (2007FY110100)

Abstract:

Morphological characteristics of seeds (external, interior and seedcoat) in 11 species of Cyananthus were examined under stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that seeds of Cyananthus are narrowly ovoid in shape, episperm are black, tan or brown and smooth. The episperm of sect. Stenolobi has a special black seed mottling. Embry of the seeds belongs to dwarf type, with white or brown, colloidal or oily endosperm. Ornamentation of seed coat belongs to striate type, ribs arranged spirally or parallel, and could further be divided into three types, as broadly reticulatestriate, narrowly reticulatestriate and striate. The seed morphology varies apparently among the three sections within the genus. The characters of seeds, such the length, the color on the surface and the ornamentation on seed coat, are of great significance in distinguishing the three sections of Cyananthus. Besides, sect. Annui demonstrated the highest level of diversification in seed morphology, which may be correlated to the more advanced adaptation of this section.

Key words: Cyananthus, Seed morphology, Taxonomy, Systematics

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