Spermoderm pattern in Hedysareae (Fahaceae) and its systematic implications

Abstract

SEM studies in 19 taxa belonging to 9 genera of Hedysareae (Papilionoideae, Fabaceae) show that there are at least five major types of seed surface patterns in this tribe, namely rugulate, foveo-rugulate, lophate, reticulate and tuberculate. It is concluded that this taxon, as treated by Bentham and Hooker, is heterogenous and that its treatment by Polhill is more natural.