Achene micromorphology as a systematic aid to the taxonomic recognition of Cyperus cytotypes

Abstract

Achenes of Cyperus compressus L. and C. difformis L. were examined employing scanning electron microscopy to ascertain if micromorphological characters can be used to delimit conscpecific cytotypes. Acid-treated achenes with their cuticle and outer periclinal walls removed revealed diagnostic micromorphological characters between the euploid cytotypes of C. compressus. No diagnostic micromorphological achene characters were observed between the euploid or, aneuploid cytotypes of C. diffonnis. Our results support the utilization of achene micromorphology as a potential tool for the taxonomic recognition of euploid Cyperus cytotypes.