• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.369-379
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• 2015

The seed morphology of 25 taxa (8 genera) of Alsineae (Alsinoideae, Caryophyllaceae) in Korea was examined using stereo (SM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to evaluate their diagnostic values and taxonomic implications. Circular, comma-shaped, ellipsoid, ovate, pyriform, reniform, and sub-circular seed shapes were identified. The seeds of the examined taxa range from 0.28 to 4.10 mm in length and from 0.33 to 3.10 mm in width; the smallest one was found in Sagina japonica, while the largest was in Honkenya peploides var. major. A hilar appendage was found in Cerastium, Honkenya, Moehringia, and strophioles were only observed in the genus Moehringia. Based on the examination of epidermal cells of the seed surface, four micromorphological types can be distinguished, viz., the colliculate-papillate (Col-Pap), colliculate-columellate (Col-Cll), colliculate-simple (Col-Sim), and smooth (Sm) types. Descriptions of the testa shape, margin, and the degree of elevation of the anticlinal cell walls, and the outer periclinal cell walls are summarized for the tribe. Taxonomic implications of the seed micromorphological characters were also discussed, in comparison with an earlier taxonomic system.