Seed surface characters and their systematic significance in the genus Lathyrus (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae, Vicieae)

Seed morphology of 34 species of Lathyrus was examined by light‐ (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative and qualitative features were evaluated to identify groups of species using a phenetic analysis. The used characters were that of testa (luster, multicellular sculpture and homogeneity of cell‐size); anticlinal walls (level, undulation, thickness and 2 ry sculpture); outer periclinal walls (level and 2 ry sculpture); hilum (shape and length/ width ratio) and the seed length/width ratio. Nine multi‐cellular sculptures and three patterns of secondary sculpture of anticlinal walls were recorded. The most common and remarkable pattern was the prominent stellate like structures on the angles of the anticlinal walls. Many terms used for describing patterns should be reevaluated within the whole tribe to better define of the character states for the multicellular sculpture. The present data were useful to recognize species or groups of species by a unique or combination of character states and had supported the retaining of Lathyrus tingitanus and L. tuberosus in section Lathyrus ; the placement of L. neurolobus and L. nissolia in two different monotypic sections; the distinctiveness of the species of sections Aphaca and Pratensis . (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)