Seed morphology and endosperm structure of selected species of Primulaceae, Myrsinaceae, and Theophrastaceae and their systematic importance

摘要: Seed size and shape, seed coat surface pattern, thickness, endosperm structure were investigated in Androsace septentrionalis, Cortusa matthioli, Hottonia palustris, Primula elatior, Soldanella carpatica (Primulaceae), Anagallis arvensis, A. minima, Cyclamen purpurascens, Glaux maritima, Lysimachia nemorum, L. vulgaris, Trientalis europaea (Myrsinaceae), Samolus valerandi (Theophrastaceae). Three categories distinguished on the basis of biometric measurements. Almost all seeds examined found to be small with an angular shape classified as sectoroid or polyhedral. A new type suboval, was identified for H. palustris. purpurascens differed from other species because their large size, subglobose concave hilar area. Despite different types, length/width ratio constant, while hilum a highly variable feature. types patterns observed: (1) reticulate, (2) tuberculate secondary striations, (3) poroid-alveolate presence spongy outer layer. For carpatica, sculpture described. The coats two-layered, great differences testa thickness (9.9–128.6 μm). In general, Myrsinaceae more often characterized by thick testa. Different proportions inner layers observed. reticulate patterns, layer twice several times thicker than layer, opposite observed pattern. examined, oxalate crystals present Thus, absence is not feature distinguishing seeds. Four according cell walls relief surface: evenly thickened smooth walls, circular helical thickenings inside surfaces, very thick, but constrictions (“pitted”), (4) thin papery undulate walls. There no rule concerning sculpture, that corresponds family affiliation examined.