Comparative seed morphology of Trigonella L. species (Leguminosae) in Turkey

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Seeds morphology of 37 taxa of Trigonella L. from various regions in Turkey were examined with a scanning electron microscope and light microscope. Based on seed features such as shape, colour and surface ornamentation pattern, 7 morphological types were recognized. Type I have scabrated seed surface and this is only observed in section Samaroideae, Type II have verrucated seed surface, Type III have rugulated seed surface and a further classification has been made on the basis of vart, as those rugulate-verrucate (Trigonella lunata in section Lunatae, Trigonella isthmocarpa and Trigonella rhytidocarpa in section Isthmocarpae and Trigonella gladiata in section Foenum-graecum) and granule as those rugulate-granulate (only Trigonella carica in section Bucerates). Type IV is show ruminated seed surface. Type V have aculeated seed surface. This ornamentation are observed in section Cylindricae, section Reflexae and section Biebersteinionae and Section Cylindricae. Type VI are the ones with ridged-tuberculated-verrucated seed surface and this type has been observed in the section Bucerates, Reflexae, Uncinatae and some species of Foenum-graecum. Type VII have tuberculated seed surface and this is only observed in section Capitata. The different seed types are described, illustrated compared and their taxonomic importance is discussed. The seed surface ornamentations of taxa shows considerable variations. This character have importance in systematic discrimination of taxa. Key words: Trigonella, Fabaceae, seed morphology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), light microscopy (LM), Turkey.