SEM studies support the narrow generic limit of genus Cyperus L.

Abstract

The nut morphology of 08 species of Cyperus L. was examined under LM and SEM. The nuts display considerable diversity in shape, size, dimensions, colour and nuts surface in different species. SEM studies at high magnification show different types of surface patterns like papillate, reticulate, with different anticlinal and periclinal walls. The shape of all studied nut was elliptic, obovoid, oblong or ovate. Nut size ranges from 0.5 to 3 mm length and from 0.3 to 1 mm width. Controversy on narrow and broad generic limit of genus Cyperus L. The nut exomorphic characters from LM and SEM investigations support the narrow generic limits of genus Cyperus L.