Seed micromorphology in the genus Neotinea Rchb.f. (Orchidaceae, Orchidinae)

Abstract

The ultrastructure of testa seed in the genus Neotinea (Orchidaceae, Orchidinae) was examined for the first time. The morphology of the seed and of the anticlinal and periclinal walls was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. Quantitative data concerning the length and width of the seed and embryo, seed and embryo volume, free air space, and number of cells along the longitudinal axis are presented. In all species, the seeds are fusiform in shape with transverse ridges on the inner periclinal walls. This ornamentation pattern is characteristic for the genus Neotinea. It is a good diagnostic value supporting the monophyly of this genus, which has recently been proposed by several authors.