ACHENE EPIDERMIS IN THE CAREX-FLAVA COMPLEX (CYPERACEAE) STUDIED BY SCANNING ELECTRON-MICROSCOPY

Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine achene epidermis feat ures in species of the taxonomically controversial Carex flava complex (section Ceratocystis) found in Finland. Achene micromorphology revea ls a marked intraspecific variation, but also wide overlap in characte rs between taxa, as well as lack of consistent differences. This is in accordance with the pattern of morphological variation found in the C arex flava complex. The usefulness of achene epidermis characters as a basis for taxonomic decisions varies greatly in the different section s of the Carex genus.