Cypsela

The Compositae (Asteraceae) family includes the largest number of described and accepted species among angiosperm plant families. One-seeded, dry, indehiscent fruit of this family is commonly known as an achene or cypsela, crowned by a modified calyx or pappus. Studies on the cypselar morphology and anatomy of species belonging to 3 tribes of the family Compositae have been presented here. The morphological characters like cypselar size, shape, colour, surface hairs, and pappus are taken into account as taxonomic parameters. Among the anatomical characters, like cypselar shape in cross-section or T.S., pericarpic thickness, vascular trace, testal features, endosperm characters, presence or absence of pericarpic crystals are taken as taxonomically significant parameters using light microscopic observations. Surface microstructures of cypselas have been observed with the help of a Scanning Electron Microscope.From this investigation, it is evident that the carpological features, along with other conventional taxonomic parameters, can be employed for a better understanding of the classification of taxa and to indicate their interrelationships within the family Compositae.