Flower and Fruit Micro- Macro Morphological Characters of the Genus Sanguisorba L. (Rosaceae) from Iran

In this survey, flower and fruit micro-macro morphological characters of the genus Sanguisorba (Rosaceae) including two species (Sanguisorba officinalis and S. minor) and three subspecies (Sanguisorba. minor subsp. muricata, S. minor. subsp. lasiocarpa and S. minor subsp. minor) from Iran were studied. At First, plant materials were collected and identified. Then, the detailed flower and achene morphological characters examined using digital and scanning electron microscopies. To determine inter and intra specifics relationships, the examined data (44 quantitative and qualitative characters) inserted in the principal component analysis (PCA). Based on our findings, inflorescence shape and dimensions shape of external bracts and calyx, number of carpels, stigma, style, and number of stamen, filament length, folding patterns, number of wings, hair density and length, distance between hairs, length, width and depth of lumen, wax-sculpturing types are the most important micro-macro morphological evidences in this genus. The PCA analysis resulted in formation of two groups, complete separation of species and subspecies. Based on the current result, flower and fruit micro-macro morphological data of the genus Sanguisorba are taxonomically informative and can be used for infrageneric and species classification. An identification key based on the important diagnostic characters is presented.