Seed morphology of some Plantago (Plantaginaceae) species in Iran and its systematic and phylogenetic implications

Plantago is a cosmopolitan genus with approximately 200 species and various infrageneric classifications have been reported. In this study, the seed morphologies of 19 from Iran were studied documented in detail using scanning electron microscopy light microscopy. The grouped by statistical analyses such as minimum spherical cluster method based on Euclidean distance, principal coordinate analysis, multidimentional scaling. We described four types shape states inner side seeds: convex- angular type, convex-elliptic flat-elliptic concave-elliptic type. three coat patterns recognized: reticulate, scalariform to papillate. Regardless limited range taxa considered, our data convincingly support close relationship between subgenera Coronopus, Albicans Psyllium. Consequently, we would suggest that subgenus Coronopus should be placed within Pilger's taxonomy, merged Psyllium Rønsted et al.'s taxonomy. morphology revealed are paraphyletic. Moreover, deformation testa cells can an indicator for finding different lineages at series level. features arrangement anticlinal walls used level, especially when morphological diversity low. conclude provides useful important information phylogenetic relationships species, thus they systematic significance.