Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Significance of Seed Coat Microsculpturing in Mentzelia (Loasaceae) in Wyoming and Adjacent Western States

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Abstract
Six hundred seeds belonging to the genusMentzelia (Loasaceae) were examined using the Scanning Electron Microscope. The seeds represented all six sections of the genus and approximately 76% of the total number of species from northern Mexico and western United States. Emphasis was placed on seed material from Wyoming and adjoining states. Ovule serial sectioning was done to determine testa ontogeny. In all cases seed surface structures could be related to excrescences developing from the integument cells. Six basic seed coat relief features could be distinguished, corresponding to the six sections in the genus. Minor variations in the basic types are constant and characteristic for species or, in very few instances, for species groups. A dendrogram was constructed from the seed testa data which supports the phylogeny established from chromosomal and morphological data. Practical application of seed coat microcharacter specificity to identification ofMentzelia seeds from prehistoric sites is suggested.

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