Nectary structure and its taxonomic significance in the genus Matthiola

Nectary morphology of Matthiola species (Brassicaceae) in the Flora Iranica area was examined using a stereomicroscope to evaluate its systematic significance and assess infrageneric relationships. The study demonstrated that, most characters of the nectaries were constant among different populations of a given species and were taxonomically useful in the delimitation of species, and their grouping. However, nectary morphology was variable in some species. Reliable diagnostic features included; type and number of nectaries, morphology of lateral nectary, presence vs. absence, length, and distance of ramifications extending of lateral nectaries. The type and number of nectaries were useful in grouping of species. Three basic types of nectaries were present in the genus of which two lunar-shaped nectaries were predominated. The type and number of nectaries were unique in Matthiola alyssifolia and M. longipetala. The nectar structure was usually constant among individuals of different populations of polymorphic species of M. chenopodiifolia, M. revolute, and M. longipetala.