Sclerotesta morphology and its systematic implications in magnoliaceous seeds

Abstract

Seeds of 101 species from 14 genera were observed using stereoscopic and scanning electron microscopy. Sclerotesta morphology is stable within the genera of Magnoliaceae. Two different morphological types are described according to features of the chalazal region, which have great value in classification and have been found only in Magnoliaceae. One is the pore type, characterized by being simple, observed in the relatively primitive taxa of this family, including Manglietia, Pachylarnax, Magnolia (19 species), Aromadendron, Talauma (eight species), Parakmeria (one species), Kmeria (one species), Elmerrillia and Liriodendron. The other one is the tube type, which is characterized by having a more complex structure consisting of a central hollow tube contained within a hole. This type was observed in relatively advanced taxa, including Manglietiastrum, Magnolia (15 species), Talauma (three species), Parakmeria (four species), Kmeria (one species), Alcimandra, Michelia, Paramichelia and Tsoongiodendron. Transitional types between these two were observed in some species of Magnolia. Chalazal region morphology, together with other useful sclerotesta characters, including seed size, shape, the raphal sinus and the external surface of the sclerotesta, may be used as diagnostic characteristics of genera, and even species in Magnoliaceae. A key to identify the different genera is supplied. © 2003 The Linnean Society of London.