A preliminary micromorphological analysis of Eleocharis (Cyperaceae) achenes for systematic potential
Eleocharis R. Br. achenes were examined employing scanning electron microscopy to ascertain the systematic potential of the achene wall. It was found that the epidermis has useful microscopic characters to assist in the systematic assessment of Eleocharis. Acid-treated achenes, with their cuticle and outer periclinal cell walls removed, revealed micromorphological differences in epidermal features among the 26 taxa studied. Characters of taxonomic interest include the configuration of the anticlinal cell walls, the contour of the cell lumens, in addition to the presence or absence of lumen pits, lumen depressions, and silica bodies. Such characters may be of value in assessing the infrageneric ranks of Svenson. Preliminary results support the Aciculares, Chaetarieae, Leiocarpeae, Multicaules, Ovatae, Palustres, Sulcatae, and Truncatae as natural taxa. In contrast, current data suggest that the Pauciflorae, Ocreatae, Rigidae, and Tenuissimae are unnatural entities. Key words: Cyperaceae, Eleocharis, SEM, achene, micromorphology.