Data from: Numerical analyses of seed morphology and its taxonomic significance in the tribe Nigelleae (Ranunculaceae)

In this study, the seed morphology of the taxa Nigella, Garidella, and
Komaroffia were examined to provide systematic knowledge about the tribe
Nigelleae. The seeds of 21 taxa in 20 species from Mediterranean and West
Asian countries were studied using both zoom stereo and scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and Unweighted
average linkage analysis (UPGMA) were performed to assess the contribution
of seed characters to defining the taxonomy of the tribe. Representative
pictures from zoom stereo microscopy and SEM studies and measurement of
seeds were prepared. Seed shape and color are controversy with proposed
generic level of the tribe. Macromorphological characters have importance
at sectional level rather than generic level. Five main types of seed
ornemantations– rugulose+striate, granulate, smooth, rugulose and
mucronulate‐ were detected. Patterns in seed micromorphology, however,
mainly supported taxonomic relationships at sectional treatment in Nigella
and two of the three sections are well differentiated based on only seed
characters. Seed morphology alone provide good support to Garidella as a
distinct species, but it shows less taxonomic value for Komaroffia.
Distinct seed shape, size, and surface sculpturing separated studied taxa
into five main groups.