Seed structure and the taxonomy of the Cruciferae

The external morphology and anatomy of the seeds of some 90 genera and some 200 species of the Cruciferae have been investigated. Emphasis has been laid on the relationships of seed structure to taxonomy. As regards seed anatomy, the testa is probably of greatest value in determining taxonomic relationships. Seed structure supports the Cruciferae as a natural taxon. In the present investigation, few genera and species show seed characters which are either exclusive or very distinct. Of the remainder, most genera are distinguishable from each other on a permutation of their macroscopic and microscopic seed characters. However it is difficult or impossible to distinguish between some genera on seed characters. The present investigation provides no support for tribal divisions within the Cruciferae.