Seed Testa Morphology of 18 Species of Rafnia Thunb. (Fam. Fabaceae, Sub-Family Papilionoideae)

Authors

G. R. Richardson, Rhodes University
R. Cross, Rhodes University

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy was used to conduct a micromorphological study of testae of the seeds of 18 species of Rafnia Thunb. (Fam. Fabaceae, Sub-family Papilionoideae). The testa patterns revealed diagnostic taxonomic features which proved useful in the construction of a key for the identification of the various Rafnia species. Comparisons between air-dried freshly collected, and long-term stored herbarium specimens revealed that testa patterns remained consistent and valid for taxonomic purposes.

Recommended Citation

Richardson, G. R. and Cross, R. (1991) "Seed Testa Morphology of 18 Species of Rafnia Thunb. (Fam. Fabaceae, Sub-Family Papilionoideae)," Scanning Microscopy: Vol. 5: No. 4, Article 26.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/microscopy/vol5/iss4/26