Comparative seed morphology in the genus Chlorophytum Ker Gawl. (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae) in India

Abstract

Seed morphology of 19 species of Chlorophytum (Asparagaceae) collected from different regions of India were studied. The seeds are diverse in shape, size, color, weight, surface architectural pattern, and hilum characters. These characters are used for preparation of key for identification of the taxa. The study reveals that morphology of seed clearly distinguishes Chlorophytum kolhapurense from C. bharuchae, C. gothanense from C. borivilianum, and C. belgaumense from C. arundinaceum, all of them showing similar vegetative and floral traits. Morphometric analyses have also been carried out to find out the phenotypic similarities among the investigated species. Seed traits show phenetic affinities between Chlorophytum glaucoides and C. tuberosum, and between C. comosum and C. nilgheriensis which are quite dissimilar in floral morphology. The same observations are found in C. laxum, C. nepalense, and C. borivilianum. In contrast, seed characters show close affinities between C. glaucum and C. indicum, and between C. filipendulum subsp. amaniens and C. heynei, these traits are strongly correlated with other morphological and cytological characters. The results highlight the taxonomic significance of the seed morphological features in the investigated species of Chlorophytum, and their phenetic interrelationships.