Abstract
Hypericum elegans is a rare perennial distributed primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. Seed morphology and anatomy in H. elegans was studied on the basis of a seed sample from its only locality in Poland. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the seed coat of mature seeds is composed basically of 3 cell layers: epidermal, subepidermal and sclerenchymatic. They are documented graphically here.
A comprehensive study based on seed morphology of perennial Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) sect. Pithyusa species occurring in Turkey is presented. A total of 14 species were studied. Seed characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as dissecting light microscopy. Significant features are: seed size, seed shape, shape of caruncle and seed surface ornamentation. Three different seed surface types (smooth, pitted, and wrinkled) were observed. Four main seed shapes (ovoid, oblong, quadrangular, and globose), as well as seven types of seed coat ornamentation (reticulate-areolate, areolate, alveolate, falsifoveate, pusticulate, colliculate and smooth) were found. The number of testa cells per 100 µm2 and also its range, from 8–12 to 57–63, are given.
Macro- and micro-morphological features of seeds belonging to 26 taxa from Turkey were observed under the light and scanning electron microscopy. Present findings partly agree with segregation of Epilobium and Chamerion at generic level. The members of the genus Epilobium were distinguished by seeds with conical, semispherical, cylindrical or crest-like papillae or without papillae, granulate periclinal surfaces, papillae with parallel, radial, irregular or spirally furrow and the members of Chamerion were distinguished by seeds crest-like papillae or without papillae and without granulate periclinal surfaces and without furrow. The results also showed that seed shape, presence/absence of papillae and beak, papillae shape and ornamentation, and periclinal wall features are valuable for delimiting the examined taxa specific level within both genera. A key to Turkish Epilobium and Chamerion taxa based on seed morphology is presented for the first time
Aspects of the digestive cycle of Carcinus maenas have been studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and light microscopy. Movements of ingested material have been followed by feeding the crabs with Mytilus edulis (L.) labelled with colloidal particles of gold or thorium oxide.
Seed morphology and anatomy of Hypericum elegans Steph. ex Willd.