Original scientific paper

Fruit and seed morphology in Galium L. (Rubiaceae) and its importance for taxonomic identification

Kadry Abdel Khalik orcid.org/0000-0003-1060-6869 ; Sohag University, Faculty of Science, Botany Department, Sohag 82524, Egypt
Monier Abd El-Ghani ; Cairo University, Faculty of Science, The Herbarium, Giza 12613, Egypt
Ahmed El Kordy ; Sohag University, Faculty of Science, Botany Department, Sohag 82524, Egypt

Abstract

Fruit (mericarp) and seed morphology of 11 species and two subspecies of Galium were examined with light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Macro-and micro- morphological characters, including fruit and seed shape, colour, size, surface, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, outer periclinal cell wall and relief of outer cell walls, are presented. Four different types ofmericarp surface are described. Three types of anticlinal cell wall boundaries of seed are recognized and three different shapes of outer periclinal cell wall are described. The secondary sculpture of the cell wall varies from micro-papillate to micro-reticulate, and smooth to fine- or coarse-folded. The fruit and seed characteristics could be used for taxonomic identification.

Keywords

Fruit; seed; morphology; Rubiaceae; Galium

Hrčak ID:

22513

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/22513

Publication date:

15.4.2008.

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