Seed Atlas of Korea I. Conifers

Abstract

Seed morphology of 17 taxa of conifers belonging to ten genera and four families is investigated using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. Embryo types of corresponding taxa are also identified. The important seed features were found as seed shape, size, presence or absence of wing, and surface microsculpture. The seed surface microsculpture was dominated by colliculate type representing Pinus, Tsuga, and Taxus species. The embryo was axial linear in all species, although variation on embryo size was prevalent. Despite the limited range of taxa comprised, the seed macro and micro morphological features were found useful for future taxonomic study within the conifer species. Keywords: Conifers, Embryo, Seed morphology, Surface microsculpture