The position of Najas within the subclass Alismatidae (Monocotyledones) in the light of new evidence from seed coat structures in the Hydrocharitoideae (Hydrocharitales)

Abstract

This paper gives details of seed coat structure in several genera of the Hydrocharitoideae (Hydrocharitaceae) and of Najas (Najadaceae). The taxonomic position of Najas L., as a genus or as the basis of a higher taxonomic category, has changed with the publication of every new system of classification in which it was considered. In the light of evidence derived from seed coat anatomy, particularly that of the testa, and from the presence of endotegmen tuberculae, Najas is placed in the enlarged tribe Stratioteae in the subfamily Hydrocharitoideae (Hydrocharitaceae).