Seed trichomes and spermoderm pattern in few wild Hibiscus species-A tool for species identification

Abstract

Seed morphological characteristics are useful taxonomic features, helpful in identification of large number of species and genera. Seed characters, such as shape, size and seed-coat surface, have low phenotypic plasticity and are less affected by environmental conditions. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare external seed morphological characteristics and trichomes of seven hibiscus species using light and scanning election microscopy to evaluate their possible use for taxonomic considerations. Seeds showed three major types of spermoderm patterns and considerable variation in the seed trichome shape and number of hairs per trichome. Using seed trichome along with spermoderm patterns, a tentative key for species identification was prepared.