Seed morphology and micromorphology of Prangos species in Iran

The seed morphology of 15 species of Prangos (Apiaceae) from Iran has been examined using light and scanning electron microscopies. Macro- and micromorphological features, including seed shape, color, size, epidermal cell shape, anticlinal boundaries, outer periclinal cell wall, and characteristics of outer cell walls have been investigated. Based on epidermal cell size, cell arrangement, cell anticlinal and periclinal walls; three types of anticlinal cell wall boundaries were recognized. The study showed that, the seed coat ornamentation pattern could be helpful in identification of species. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare external seed morphological characteristics of Prangos species and to evaluate their possible use for taxonomic considerations. In addition, based on the seed exomorphic criteria extracted from LM and SEM, an artificial key to the species of the genus is provided.