Microstructure Characteristics of Seed from 11 Species of Codonopsis and Campanumoea(Campanulaceae)

Macromorphology of seed and micromorphology of the seed-coat of 11 species belonging to Codonopsis and Campanumoea were observed under light microscope,and described.The results indicate that 11 species seeds are spheroidicity or ovoid in shape,episperm are claybank or brown and with smooth surface.Only C.convolvulacea var.forrestii and C.lanceolata have wing.Under light microscope,the high diversity was found in seed-coat micromorphology.Based on ornamentation of epidermal cells of the seed-coat,three morphological types can be distinguished,striate,reticulate,foveolate.The descriptions of seed size,shape and seed-coat types are summarized for two genera.Taxonomic and phylogenetic implications of the seed-coat micromorphology are also discussed,in relation to the circumscription of traditional genera.