MORPHOMETRY OF ORCHID SEEDS. I. PAPHIOPEDILUM AND NATIVE CALIFORNIA AND RELATED SPECIES OF CYPRIPEDIUM

Abstract

Examination of differences in morphology, size and color between seeds of the genera Paphiopedilum and Cypripedium (family: Orchidaceae; subfamily: Cypripedoideae) and among several Cypripedium species confirm present taxonomic relationships. Additionally, the shape, size and relatively large air volume in the testae (79–96% of available space) provide an explanation for their long flotation periods in the atmosphere, which is an adaptation for dispersal by wind.