Micromorphological variations and taxonomic implications of caryopses of some grasses from Pakistan

In this study, 13 taxa of Poaceae were studied regarding morphology of caryopses. Micro- and macromorphological characters were observed in detail by light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Size of caryopses in selected taxa ranged between 0.5-9.2 mm length and 0.7-4 mm width. Different colors of caryopses (whitish brown, yellow, green and brown) with linear oblate, obovate, round, shallowly obtriangular and elliptic shapes were recorded. Depressed and grooved hila were observed. Dorsiventral and lateral types of caryopsis compression were found. Significant patterns were noted on the surface, such as rugose, scabrate, reticulate, striate, scaberulous and papillate. Bulges, silica cells, prickles, spines, bicellular micro hairs and granules were analyzed as epicuticular projections. Periclinal and anticlinal wall patterns, texture and thickness were studied. The present study focuses on caryopsis morphology of Poaceae and their taxonomical importance in the identification of thirteen species