<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Seed morphology was studied in 136 species of <italic>Erica</italic>, including 123 from South Africa (Cape Floristic Region), 5 from tropical Africa, and 8 from Europe. Seed anatomy was studied in 13 selected species by light and scanning electron microscopy. Seed morphology of each species was described and documented by SEM micrographs. Ten major diagnostic features were selected, concerning seed shape, primary sculpture, and fine relief. On the basis of these features, the species were divided into 14 groups. Within them, 40 morphologically homogeneous subgroups were distinguished, which could possibly be used in future revisions of the genus. A key to species identification has been developed on the basis of seed characteristics. A very close similarity was observed between seeds of some <italic>Erica</italic> species from distant parts of the distribution range of this genus.</p></abstract>

Seed morphology was studied in 136 species of Erica, including 123 from South Africa (Cape Floristic Region), 5 from tropical Africa, and 8 from Europe. Seed anatomy was studied in 13 selected species by light and scanning electron microscopy. Seed morphology of each species was described and documented by SEM micrographs. Ten major diagnostic features were selected, concerning seed shape, primary sculpture, and fine relief. On the basis of these features, the species were divided into 14 groups. Within them, 40 morphologically homogeneous subgroups were distinguished, which could possibly be used in future revisions of the genus. A key to species identification has been developed on the basis of seed characteristics. A very close similarity was observed between seeds of some Erica species from distant parts of the distribution range of this genus.

Variation in seed morphology in the genus <italic>Erica</italic> L. (Ericaceae)

Department of Plant Taxonomy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland

Biodiversity Research and Conservation

Variation in seed morphology in the genus  L. (Ericaceae)

Seed morphology was studied in 136 species of Erica, including 123 from South Africa (Cape Floristic Region), 5 from tropical Africa, and 8 from Europe. Seed...

Variation in seed morphology in the genus Erica L. (Ericaceae)

Published Online: Oct 25, 2010

Page range: 1 - 106

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10119-009-0022-2

Keywords
carpology, seed sculpture, fine relief, seed coat, cluster analysis, Cape Floristic Region

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