A Seed Key to Fourteen Species of Geraniaceae

A program of seed identification by keys has been initiated in the Iowa State College Seed laboratory. The recognition of external structural characteristics of seeds is of primary importance to the seed analyst who has no material to serve as a basis of classification and identification other than seeds or fruits. Descriptions of features that aid in placing a seed in its family, genus, or species are of value not only for the seed analyst but for the taxonomic botanist as well. The Geraniaceae has been chosen for a beginning in this investigation. Fernald (1935) working on the annual and biennial species of Geranium found the seeds to have some characters of taxonomic value. Jones and Jones (1943) in their revision of the perennial species of Geranium stated, The seeds of the perennial larger flowered species, contrary to our expectations, have proved to be altogether too, uniform for taxonomical purposes. Possibly other characters were sufficient and they felt no need for a detailed study of the seed