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Original Research
Studies in the southern African species of Justicia and Siphonoglossa (Acanthaceae): seeds
Bothalia | Vol 20, No 1 | a893 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/abc.v20i1.893
| © 1990 K. L. Immelman
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 16 October 1990 | Published: 18 October 1990
Submitted: 16 October 1990 | Published: 18 October 1990
About the author(s)
K. L. Immelman, National Botanical Institute/Department of Agricultural Development, South AfricaFull Text:
PDF (4MB)Abstract
The seeds of all species of Justicia (except J. thymifolia (Nees) C.B. Cl.) and Siphonoglossa in the southern African region
(as defined by the Flora of southern Africa) were examined with the Scanning Electron Microscope. A wide range of different
seed surfaces were seen, many of which could be correlated with other characters to further reinforce grouping of species
into sections. However, some species that on other characters, would be placed together, had widely differing seed testas.
Gross surface morphology varied from smooth to colliculate, irregularly rugose, reticulate with the ridges variously arranged,
wheel-shaped (radiate or ammonite-like), with a central ridge or with multicellular barbed scales. The seeds were without
hairs, unlike some American species sometimes considered to belong in Justicia (Graham 1989). Micromorphology also
provided useful characters, with seeds being reticulate, papillate, minutely or deeply rugose or with one to many crystals
visible. Critical-point drying was sometimes helpful in viewing microstructure.
(as defined by the Flora of southern Africa) were examined with the Scanning Electron Microscope. A wide range of different
seed surfaces were seen, many of which could be correlated with other characters to further reinforce grouping of species
into sections. However, some species that on other characters, would be placed together, had widely differing seed testas.
Gross surface morphology varied from smooth to colliculate, irregularly rugose, reticulate with the ridges variously arranged,
wheel-shaped (radiate or ammonite-like), with a central ridge or with multicellular barbed scales. The seeds were without
hairs, unlike some American species sometimes considered to belong in Justicia (Graham 1989). Micromorphology also
provided useful characters, with seeds being reticulate, papillate, minutely or deeply rugose or with one to many crystals
visible. Critical-point drying was sometimes helpful in viewing microstructure.
Keywords
Acanthaceae; <i>Justicia</i>; seeds;.<i>Siphonoglossa</i>; South Africa; taxonomy
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