Seed structure of some taxa of the genus Crocus L. (Iridaceae) series Crocus

Abstract

In this study, the macro- and micromorphological seed characteristics of the genus Crocus L. series Crocus taxa, including C. pallasii, C. turcicus, C. dispathaceus, C. asumaniae, C. mathewii, C. thomasii, C. oreocreticus, and C. cartwrightianus, were observed. Morphological characteristics, such as the size, shape, color, and seed surface structures, were analyzed using stereo and scanning electron microscopes. Testa layer structures including the outer and inner testae, phytomelan layer structure and thickness, and seed endosperm cell features were studied. Differences in the seed, raphe size, seed surface patterns, inner testa features, and phytomelan layer thickness were observed at an interspecific level. The results revealed differences in the seed morphology and anatomy with a few exceptions.