Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy Unravelling the Seed Coat Micro Morphology and FESEM-EDAX Characterization of Selected Species of the Genus Rotala L.(Lythraceae) in India

Abstract

The taxonomic importance of seed coat micromorphological and macromorphological traits among 10 species of the genera Rotala, was investigated by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The study aimed to identify unique ultra-structural characteristics of seed coats that would be useful for identification. helping to accurately determine and clarify their taxonomic position. This study explored the ultrastructure and micromorphological diversity among the examined genera, Morphological characters, including colour, texture, shape, hilum position, anticlinal and periclinal shape of seed coat were investigated. The highest seed length/width ratio was observed in R. occultoflora, 2.576 mm, whereas the lowest seed length/width ratio was found in R. malabarica, 1.154 mm.The most prominent seed coat sculpture is reticulate type. Hilum tip is acute in all studied genera except R, kasaragodensis where it is round in shape,These characteristics proved valuable for distinguishing species within the studied genera and provided strong taxonomic insights. Our findings highlight that SEM-based examination of seed coat micromorphology can serve as a reliable tool for identifying plant taxa at both genus and species levels, offering potential for new taxonomic discoveries.