Seed and embryo morphology of Poecilanthe (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Brongniartieae)

Abstract

This work analyses and describes seed and embryo morphology of eight Poecilanthe species. Poecilanthe species can be divided in four groups based on seed and embryo characters: (1) P. amazonica-type has overgrown seeds, bears cataphylls on the epicotyl and has an inflexed hypocotyls-root axis; (2) P. effusa-type has two types of trichomes on the epicotyl, which is longer than the hypocotyls-root axis; (3) P. parvilora-type has a visible lens and the raphe runs around three-quarters of the seed circumference; and P. grandiflora-type bears a one-lipped rim aril. Poecilanthe presents a remarkable diversity both in seed and embryo, which reinforces the belief that the genus is not monophyletic. Moreover, our results support the three major clades recognized by a preliminary phylogeny. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London.