Seed Morphology and Seed Coat Sculpturing for Some Species of the Family Brassicaceae
Abstract
Background: Seed morphology of the species Clypeola aspera (Grauer) Turrill , Clypeola jonthlaspi L. , Clypeola lappacea Boiss. , Chorispora purpurscens (Banks et Sol.) , Clastopus vestitus (Desv.) Boiss, Coluteocarpus vesicaria (L.) Holmboe and Hirschfeldia incana (L.) Lag.-Foss. belonging to five genera of Brassicaceae family were investigated to determine the significance of seed features as taxonomic characters. Methodology: This paper outline the differences in macro and micro morphological characters, including shape, size, indumentums and ornamentation by the aid of light microscope and scanning electron microscope. Results: two types of indumentum were recorded in the species, echinate in C. vestitus and glabrous in others, seed ornamentation varied also between species and the study recored five types of it. Morphological characters also provided good information to separate species. Conclusion: The study has proven the importance of seed characters in classification of species studied.