The structure of the seed in some Western Australian species of the genus Hibbertia (Dilleniaceae) |
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Authors: | ANDREA SCHATRAL |
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Affiliation: | Mulga Research Centre, School of Environmental Biology, Curtin University of Technology, GPO Box U 1987, Perth 6001, Western Australia |
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Abstract: | The internal structure of the seed was studied for four Western Australian species of the genus Hibbertia (Fam.: Dilleniaceae). The principal mechanical layer of the seed coat is the endotesta. The large cells of the endotesta are heavily cutinized in potentially viable seeds of all examined species. However, results for H. hypericoides show that the cells of the endotesta are distinctly less cutinized in non-viable seeds. The tegmen consists of only one layer which is spirally thickened. Remains of the nucellus enclose the endosperm. The endosperm is rich in both starch and lipids, and the embryo is underdeveloped and minute. |
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Keywords: | embryo endosperm seed coat seed variability |
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