Comparative seed morphology of Mexican Nymphaea species

Seed morphology was studied in 10 species belonging to three subgenera of N ymphaea occurring in Mexico: subgenus Brachyceras (N. ampla, N. elegans, N. gracilis, N. pulchella); subgenus Hydrocallis (N. amazonum, N. conardii, N . jamesoniana, N. novogranatensis); and subgenus Nymphaea (N, mexicana, N. odorata). Phenetic relationships of Mexican species of Nymphaea were studie d by cluster analysis (UPGMA). Among subgenera, the seeds showed morphologi cal variation in shape, color, size, ornamentation of sclereids, and tricho mes. A cluster analysis distinguished the three subgenera of Nymphaea in Me xico. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.