Fruit anatomy of the Turkish Pimpinella species

Abstract

The genus Pimpinella is represented with 26 taxa (8 endemic) in Turkey and 170–180 species in the World. Pimpinella fruits known for two bigger vittae on the commissural side; elliptic, half-round, round and pentagonal mericarps shapes; and papillate, pubescent or puberulous hairs as anatomical. Turkish Pimpinella species have been separated into four groups according to anatomical characters. Based on our anatomical results generally found to be compatible when compared with the Wolff’s sections, and molecular data (except some species such as Pimpinella flabellifolia, Pimpinella saxifrage). On the other hand, a revision of the sections is necessary. In addition, an identification key of the groups has been prepared to represent the similarities and differences between the species.