Nutlet morphology and its taxonomic utility in Salvia (Lamiaceae: Mentheae) from Turkey

Abstract

The nutlet (mericarp) morphology of 12 Salvia L. (Lamiaceae: sub-family Nepctoideae: tribe Mentheae: sub-tribe Salviinae) taxa from Turkey, including five endemic taxa, was examined using scanning electron microscopy: Salvia bracteata Banks et Sol., S. cadmica Boiss., S. blepharoclaena Hedge et Hub.-Mor., S. cryptantha Montbret et Aucher ex Bentham, S. aethiopis L, S. ceratophylla L., S. candidissima Vahl subsp. candidissima., S. cyanescens Boiss et Bal., S. virgata Jacq, S. halophila Hedge, S. verticillata L. subsp. verticillata, S. verticillata L. subsp amasiaca (Freyn et Bornm.) Bornm. The mericarps examined exhibited variation in size, shape, colour,and surface sculpturing. Mericarp size ranged between 1.6-3.5 mm length and 1.0-2.9 mm width. Observed shapes included spherical, trigonous-prolate spheroidal and prolate spheroidal. Mericarp Surface sculpturing revealed three distinct types: reticulate, foveate and verrucate. Our study supports further work across the genus.