Identification of seven Zingiberaceous species based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of seeds

Meng-Hua Wu,Wei Zhang,Ping Guo,Zhong-Zhen Zhao

doi:10.1186/1749-8546-9-10

Meng-Hua Wu, Wei Zhang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-9-10

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Abstract

BackgroundThe fruits and seeds of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other. This study aims to identify the seeds of these seven species from Zingiberaceae family based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics.MethodsWe compared the morphological structures of seed coats by observing the microscopic characteristics of seeds in transverse sections. We described the macroscopic characteristics of seeds in detail.ResultsThe seeds of these three genera could not be identified to the species level based on their macroscopic features. However, based on the anatomical features of the seed coat observed in transverse sections, a dichotomous key for these seven species was feasible.ConclusionSeven species in the Zingiberaceae family could be identified based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of transverse section of seed.

Highlights

The fruits and seeds of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other
Most fruits of Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria in Zingiberaceae family are used in cooking and medicine in China [1]
This study aims to identify these seven species of Zingiberaceae family based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of seeds in transverse section

Summary

Introduction

The fruits and seeds of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Alpinia katsumadai Hayata, Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire, and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton from Alpinia, Amomum, and Elettaria genera in the Zingiberaceae family are difficult to distinguish between each other. & Smith, Amomum kravanh Pierre ex Gagnep., Amomum subulatum Roxb., Amomum tsao-ko Crevost et Lemaire and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton are three different genera in the Zingiberaceae family. For all of these species, a fruit is a Several studies focused on the anatomic structures and systematic significance of roots and leaves of plants from the Zingiberaceae. This study aims to identify these seven species of Zingiberaceae family based on comparative anatomy of microscopic characteristics of seeds in transverse section

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