Morphological and micromorphological characterization of achenes in Ranunculus species in Iran

In this study, the morphology and micromorphology of achenes in the species of Ranunculus, the largest genus in the Ranunculaceae in Iran, were examined for the first time. Fifty-eight species were studied through herbarium samples using a stereomicroscope, and micrographs of the surface of the pericarp were taken with a Dino-Lite Digital Microscopy (DM) system. The characters studied included the number, size, and shape of the achene, as well as the shape and size of the beak and surface ornamentation of the achene. The fruit shapes ranged from circular, oval, and egg-shaped to triangular. Surface ornamentations varied from smooth and glossy to hairy, warty, and punctate. In addition, the length of the beak was found to be an important trait for distinguishing species groups.  Based on these features, species groups were identified, and a key for identifying species of Ranunculus based mostly on achene characteristics considering leaves and life form characters was provided. In addition, considering diagnostic characteristics, differences and relationships among species were discussed here.

Morphological and micromorphological characterization of achenes in Ranunculus species in Iran Keywords:

Achene ornamentation , beak shape , micromorphology , Ranunculaceae , species group