STYLE MICROMORPHOLOY IN THE TRIBE FABEAE (FABACEAE) WITH EMPHASIS ON LATHYRUS IN IRAN AND TURKEY

Stylar features of 35 taxa including Lathyrus (26 species), Pisum (3 species), Vicia (4 species) and Lens (2 species) were examined using electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that four genera Lathyrus, Lens, Pisum and Vicia are different in terms of stylar features. At least eight stylar types can be recognized in the tribe Fabeae. Lathyrus is the most variable genus in this regard showing four different stylar types: (1) straight, linear and evenly hairy styles (Sle-type), (2) straight, spathulate and evenly hairy styles (Sse-type), (3) contorted, linear and evenly hairy styles (Cle-type) and (4) contorted, spathulate and evenly hairy styles (Cse-type). Furthermore, the styles are dorsiventrally compressed and adaxially evenly hairy in this genus. Two stylar types: (5) dorsiventrally compressed and evenly hairy all round (De-type) and (6) dorsiventrally compressed and abaxially tufted (Dabt-type) were recognized in Vicia. Other two types: (7) cylinder, non-compressed and adaxially evenly hairy style (Cne-type) and (8) longitudinally folded, canaliculated, laterally compressed and adaxially evenly hairy style (Fce-type) were recognized in Lens and Pisum, respectively. Special focus on Lathyrus revealed that stylar features do not corroborate the current sectional classification of the genus. None of the recognized stylar types are characteristic for any recognized sections of Lathyrus.